A comprehensive study commissioned by the Department of Health has been released, detailing the financial pressures facing dentistry across Northern Ireland.
The document underscores the difficulty practitioners face in maintaining viable practices under current conditions.
It also documents the barriers patients encounter when seeking treatment through the Health Service.
Officials acknowledge that these issues are significant and represent a priority for action.
Despite noting that existing budgets fall far short of what is needed to fully resolve the problems, the Department has pledged to move ahead with changes to how dental fees are structured.
A formal process to evaluate different reform options will be initiated to support a rebasing of charges.
The Department intends to collaborate with the British Dental Association and other interested parties to identify potential solutions.
These proposals will subsequently be submitted for public consultation.
The Northern Ireland Executive has confirmed the completion and publication of the General Dental Services Cost of Service Review.
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