Skip to content

Hundreds of dentists call to save ‘crumbling’ dental service

‘We cannot go on as we are’: More than 700 dentists in Northern Ireland have warned that urgent, radical action is needed to save health service dentistry from a ‘death spiral’. In an open letter to Peter May, Department of Health permanent secretary, the signatories have asked what the department’s plan is to ensure the … Continued

BDA criticises ‘misleading’ NI hospital waiting times portal

The British Dental Association (BDA) claims the My Waiting Times NI portal, intended to provide an estimate of hospital wait times in Northern Ireland, is ‘unhelpful and misleading’. The My Waiting Times NI portal was launched by the Department of Health in May. It aims to enable patients to check how long they are likely … Continued

High rates of mental ill-health discovered among 16-year-olds

New research suggests that 45.2% of 16-year-olds experience mental health problems, revealing the extent of mental illness in Northern Ireland. This is according to data published by Dr Nicole Bond and Professor Siobhán O’Neil, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland. The statistics were further stratified by gender, suggesting that mental health problems are more prevalent in girls than boys. While … Continued

Dental nurse sponsorship scheme kicks off in Northern Ireland

A new fully-funded programme for dental nurses has launched in Northern Ireland in a bid to secure the future of the profession. Portman Dental Care has joined forces with South West College in Dungannon to kick off a new apprenticeship scheme for dental nurses. Each candidate will experience one of Portman’s 11 practices scattered throughout Northern Ireland. They … Continued

Politician looks for UK-wide approach towards tackling dental access issues

A politician has spoken up about the dental problems facing Northern Ireland, dubbing the waiting list issues a ‘massive challenge’.  Lord Rogan – an Ulster unionist peer – last week called for guidance on how the nations can work together. He asked for ways that ministers in London can work with the Stormont Executive and the other … Continued

Government responds to concerns over pay for dentists in Northern Ireland

The Minister of Health for Northern Ireland has responded to the profession after it voiced disappointment over pay decisions.  Robin Swann has written to the British Dental Association NI (BDA) after it slammed the government for failing to introduce a proposed rate for additional hours. In November, the government passed a temporary regional rate for additional … Continued