Disappearing Dentists: Most practices in NI not taking new NHS patients

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The majority of health service dental practices in Northern Ireland are not accepting new adult patients, a BBC investigation has found.

The BBC drew up a list of 365 dental practices in Northern Ireland with a health service contract

Some practices were excluded as they were not contactable by telephone or were permanently closed, were not available to the public for general and routine dental care or were not a health service practice.None of the 16 practices contacted in Antrim and Newtownabbey council were accepting new patients

It also acknowledged it had been "a difficult and challenging time for many patients who have had to wait much longer than usual for treatment". The British Dental Association said health service dentists - who work as independent contractors - have seen incomes fall by 40% in real terms since 2008/09.

 

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Even existing NHS patients now have to pay.

Have had no issue with my NHS dentist over the past few years, they’re even back to doing check ups.

It’s not just ‘new’ patients.I HAD an NHS place but got notice that my practice was now private. Except those who didn’t pay - apparently they could remain as NHS! 🤔So just like that, I had to leave the practice I had been with for around 30 years, and search for a new one.

But if you go private… loads of availability.

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