AQW 40651/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 16/02/2026
Answered On Date: 09/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any assessment his Department has made of the financial sustainability of dental practices delivering predominantly health service care.

Answer:

In December 2024, I commissioned a General Dental Service Cost of Service review to provide a robust evidence base on the costs associated with delivering Health Service dentistry. This review is expected to be completed at the end of this financial year and will help to inform future decisions on the reform of General Dental Services.

While this work is underway, I have made available additional funding to help offset the rising costs associated with National Insurance Contributions, and to support practitioners who continue to deliver Health Service dentistry.