Department of Health publishes General Dental Services Cost of Service Review

Date published: 16 September 2026

The review provides important evidence regarding the costs and challenges associated with delivering Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland and highlights the significant funding gap that currently exists and the impact it has on practitioners and patients.

The findings reinforce concerns that have been raised by the dental profession regarding the viability of the current system and the continuing challenges patients experience in accessing Health Service dental care.

The Department recognises the significance of the issues identified by the review and is committed to acting on it. Whilst the current financial position remains exceptionally challenging and does not allow the level of investment that would be required to address the findings in full at this time, the Department is committed to moving forward with a programme of dental payment reform which will include undertaking an options appraisal to support a fee rebasing exercise.

Publishing the review, the Health Minister Robbie Butler said 

“The Cost of Service Review provides an important and robust assessment of the challenges facing Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland. I recognise the concerns that have been raised by the profession regarding the sustainability of the current arrangements and the impact this is having on access to care for patients.

“Transparency is important, and I believe it is right that the findings of the review are published. The review provides a valuable evidence base to inform future discussions and decision-making.

“Whilst the current financial position means that the level of investment identified by the review is not currently affordable and difficult choices remain unavoidable, it is imperative we now move forward with a programme of payment reform that will seek to close the gap.

“I am committed to finding a way forward which will aim to ensure practitioners are paid fairly whilst also working to provide a sustainable and accessible dental healthcare model.

“I have therefore agreed that officials should commence an options appraisal, working closely with the British Dental Association and other stakeholders, to consider the future of General Dental Services in Northern Ireland. This work will examine a range of options to support the long-term sustainability of Health Service dentistry and will inform a future public consultation.

“I remain committed to improving patient access to Health Service dentistry and to working constructively with the profession to identify a realistic, sustainable and affordable way forward."

Publication of the review marks an important first step in developing a shared understanding of the challenges facing Health Service dentistry. The Department will now work with the British Dental Association and other stakeholders to develop and appraise potential reform options, with a view to bringing forward proposals for public consultation.