Swann to reduce RQIA inspection of dental practices

Health Minister Robin Swann intends to bring forward legislation to reduce the frequency of RQIA inspections of dental practices.

The Minister recently met with the British Dental Association (BDA) to discuss the ongoing challenges in Dentistry and RQIA inspection of practices was discussed during the meeting.

The Minister said: “I recently had a very constructive meeting with the British Dental Association which focused on rebuilding services and moving forward with much needed reform.

“At the meeting I stated my intention to reduce the frequency of inspections of dental practices based on regulatory experience, available intelligence and learning from the current inspection programme.  I am confident the overwhelming majority of care provided is safe, effective and well led.  I can therefore confirm my officials are now working on a plan to deliver this in the current Assembly mandate.”

The Regulation and Improvement Authority (Fees and Frequency of Inspections) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 set out the frequency of inspections to be carried out by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.

Any changes to the regulatory inspection regime for dental practices require amendment to the 2005 Regulations by subordinate legislation, subject to negative resolution.

BDA NI has welcomed the Minister’s commitment to reduce the frequency of RQIA inspections of dental practices, while upholding the principles of patient safety. This decision is based on evidence, intelligence and learning from the inspection process.

Richard Graham, chair of the Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee said “Northern Ireland’s dental practices operate to the most stringent standards – patient safety is paramount, and dentists are held to the highest regulatory standards by the General Dental Council. BDA NI is pleased that the Minister has recognised the contribution that dental practices make to high quality patient care, under the most difficult circumstances, particularly in recent times. The pandemic has taken a terrible toll on dentists and their staff, yet their commitment and dedication to their profession remains exceptional.

“This will be a welcome development for all dental practitioners, and we look forward to the changes being made in statute.”

“The fact that the Minister intends to make the required legislative changes in relation to the frequency of inspections, pending further consultation and discussion with stakeholders, is encouraging news for our members.”

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