Motion

Motion TitleTackling Barriers to Accessing an NHS Dentist

Motion TextThat this Assembly expresses alarm that the percentage of the population not registered with a National Health Service (NHS) dentist in Northern Ireland has increased significantly over the last ten years, with only 50 per cent of adults now registered; is concerned that in the last year alone, patient registrations have declined by over 17 per cent; highlights that the number of NHS dental treatment claims are down over 33 per cent on pre-pandemic levels; believes these trends pose a grave threat to access to vital services as well as oral health outcomes more generally; notes, in particular, the practice of registrations lapsing due to non-attendance and the challenges this presents for individuals in need of urgent and preventative dental care; recognises that underfunding, coupled with rising practice operating costs, has contributed to a dental payment model which is no longer viable and the most rapid shrinkage of NHS dentistry anywhere in the United Kingdom across all Trust areas; further recognises the need to improve access to affordable dental care for both registered and unregistered patients; regrets that the Cost of Service Review of General Dental Services has still not been published by the Department of Health; and calls on the Minister of Health to accelerate the development of an action plan for the reform of these services, including expediting dental payment reform and specific measures to address barriers to accessing dental care in all communities.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office14/04/2026

Date Selected By Committee14/04/2026

Date of Plenary Debate28/04/2026