Ballymena dentist to lead Northern Ireland
by Guy Hiscott
Peter Crooks, a general dental practitioner (GDP) in Ballymena, has been elected as new chair of the Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee (NIDPC).
Dr Crooks graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast in 1983.
He has dedicated his whole career to general dental practice, working initially as an associate in Maghera before running his own practice in Ballymena from 1987 onwards.
Three dentists work in the practice which provides both health service and private dental care for every age range.
As well as providing general dentistry, Dr Crooks has a special interest in sedation techniques for helping nervous patients receive their dental treatment in a relaxed, comfortable and safe environment.
Since November 2008 he has been chair of the Northern Area Local Dental Committee.
Thanking his committee for his mandate, Dr Crooks said: ‘It is a privilege to be elected to represent Northern Ireland’s high street dentists and continue the good work of NIDPC. Dental practices face very real economic pressures that must be overcome so they can continue to prioritise their patients’ care.
‘The major issue will be the development of a new contract for general dental services in Northern Ireland which must be addressed as a priority. Further challenges include the impact of new decontamination requirements and the increasing governance agenda being applied to practices.
‘I look forward to working on behalf of the profession as we tackle these issues.’
