AQW 4272/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 07/10/2022
Answered On Date: 27/10/2022
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether (i) an analysis has been carried out in relation to the impact of reduced access to health service dental treatment in the community on the number of emergency dental procedures being carried out; and (ii) the cost impact of any increase in emergency dental procedures been assessed.

Answer:

Whilst dental activity has been closely monitored on a weekly basis since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been no specific analysis undertaken regarding the impact on the number of emergency dental procedures being carried out.

Any patient who has an urgent or emergency dental need is able to make use of an Emergency Dental Clinic during weekends or Public Holidays. There the patient will be triaged remotely, and appropriate advice given or treatment arranged.