AQW 4005/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/10/2022
Answered On Date: 24/10/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health (i) what action his Department is taking to address loss making and inadequate fees for dental treatments such as dentures, fillings and extractions, following evidence provided by BDA; and (ii) for his assessment of dentists having to provide specific treatments at a financial loss.

Answer:

I have considered and accepted the recommendations made by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB) in their 50th report that would provide a 4.5% pay uplift to GDPs for 2022/23. Whilst elements of the pay uplift are outwith the control of the Department of Health, particularly this year, I will do everything I can to implement as soon as possible.

My Department is also currently exploring options to compensate for the most extremely impacted treatments that require lab work, to ensure that vital services can be maintained.

Support being provided to dental practices will remain under ongoing review.