The Minister's announcement includes money to support dentists providing health service dental care for patients, an enhancement to fees paid to dentists for health service work and continuation of a scheme to help children not registered with a dentist.
It came the day after a successful Alliance motion to the Assembly, seeking to address the severe challenges facing the dental sector here.
“There is undoubtedly a crisis in our dental sector, which Alliance wanted to shine a light on by bringing our motion to the Assembly yesterday,” said Mr Donnelly.
“The debate and outcome sent a strong message, which the Health Minister has clearly listened to, making this announcement today. I welcome his acknowledgement that more needed to be done to help people be able to access dentists, particularly those seeking health service care, as well as supporting dentists themselves.
“Access to high-quality dental care cannot be allowed to become a luxury and this crisis must not be allowed to deepen. While this investment is an important first step, the Minister must follow up with further action if we are to create a sustainable and long-term model, giving everyone in society the ability to access the best dental care.”
It came the day after a successful Alliance motion to the Assembly, seeking to address the severe challenges facing the dental sector here.
“There is undoubtedly a crisis in our dental sector, which Alliance wanted to shine a light on by bringing our motion to the Assembly yesterday,” said Mr Donnelly.
“The debate and outcome sent a strong message, which the Health Minister has clearly listened to, making this announcement today. I welcome his acknowledgement that more needed to be done to help people be able to access dentists, particularly those seeking health service care, as well as supporting dentists themselves.
“Access to high-quality dental care cannot be allowed to become a luxury and this crisis must not be allowed to deepen. While this investment is an important first step, the Minister must follow up with further action if we are to create a sustainable and long-term model, giving everyone in society the ability to access the best dental care.”