16 November 2006

Minister outlines measures to improve dental care

Health Minister Paul Goggins has today announced measures, that will radically improve health service primary dental services in Northern Ireland, over the next ten years.

The Health Minister has launched the Primary Dental Care Strategy, which aims to modernise dental services and ensure that everyone has access to a dentist.

The package of reforms will include:

local commissioning of services
access to appropriate dental care for everyone who needs it
a clear definition of treatments available under the health service
a greater emphasis on disease prevention
guaranteed out of hours services
a revised remuneration system, which rewards dentists fairly for operating the new arrangements

Paul Goggins said: "At present too many patients have problems finding a health service dentist. I am determined to change that. This ground breaking package of reforms will radically improve access to health service dentistry. I am giving the health service the resources, tools and flexibility it needs to find new solutions. That's why, for the first time, local services will be commissioned at a local level, to determine when and where services will be provided and by whom.

"The traditional system has failed some patients. We need to be more imaginative and more robust in putting patients first. We will also provide a greater focus on disease prevention and patient-centred services, as set out in the Oral Health Strategy."

The Minister continued: "In making these changes, we should not forget the needs of our dentists and the wider dental team. We need to improve their working lives, enhance the development of skills throughout their careers and promote clinical governance.

"Many dentists are unhappy with the current payment system. Under the new commissioning arrangements, my Department and the dental profession will agree a more appropriate method of remuneration, which will fit in with the overall aim of the strategy."

Speaking on the need to adopt best practice Paul Goggins said: "There are many examples of excellent Health Service dental services and we want to reward dentists and make practice in the Health Service an attractive option. The programme of reform will enable the Health Service, dentists and patients to influence local services in the future."

(EF)