DHSSPS proposals “fail patients” says NI Dental Practice Committee chairman

The British Dental Association (BDA) has said it will strenuously oppose DHSSPS proposals for Health Service dental provision in Northern Ireland.

The proposals, published for consultation by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, will limit the Health Service care available to patients by moving to a core service of treatments, restricting the frequency of scaling and polishing, moving to IOTN 3.6 for orthodontic treatments, changing the eligibility for the Practice Allowance and removing commitment payments to dentists.

Dr Peter Crooks, chairman of BDA Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee, said: “These proposals fail patients, undermine businesses and strike at the heart of dentists improving oral health in Northern Ireland.

“BDA Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee entirely rejects the proposals and we urge dentists across Northern Ireland to join us in defending the health service dental care that patients count on.”

Further details of BDA Northern Ireland’s campaign against the cuts, and how you can get involved, including details of what they could mean for practices and individual dentists are available at http://www.bda.org/nicuts