Health Minister Robin Swann has met with representatives of the British Dental Association and reiterated his appreciation for the leading role the profession had played in the battle against COVID-19.
The Minister also took the opportunity to address some of the issues that have been raised by the BDA, on behalf of their members, in relation to PPE, financial support for General Dental Services (GDS) and ensuring that dental and oral health features as a priority in the Rebuilding of HSC services.
“Like their colleagues across the HSC family, local dentists have continued to play a vital part in protecting the public throughout the first phase of this pandemic. They have not only provided advice and face-to-face care to patients in general dental practices but have worked in the Urgent Dental Care centres. I am also very thankful to those dentists who used their expertise when redeployed to care homes and community pharmacies,” Minister Swann said.
“I recognise that, as independent contractors, the restrictions on the provision of non-urgent dental care due to COVID-19 had the potential to place the financial viability of the GDS at risk. It is for this reason that the Financial Support Scheme was established which has provided £12 million in support payments to local dentists to date. This scheme will continue for a further two months to support the return of non-urgent dental care as the restrictions are lifted. In the interim the department will engage with the profession around the provision of ongoing financial support for the remainder of 2020/21.
“In addition I have also instructed officials to examine the best way to provide support in respect of PPE. I’m delighted to announce that next week BSO will commence deliveries of PPE to dental practices. Dentists will be receiving over 3 million individual items of PPE in the next few weeks. This will allow practitioners to see considerably more patients while ensuring that staff and patients are fully protected.
“Oral health is a key element of general health and as we embark on our proposals to rebuild HSC services I would also want to make it clear that dental services are an integral part of that process. I have noted the BDA response on the make up of the Management Board and these will form part of my deliberations going forward.”
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