Debate contribution: HSC Dentistry: East Antrim

Debate contribution by Ms Cheryl Brownlee on 12 October 2026.

MLA: Ms Cheryl Brownlee
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 12 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: HSC Dentistry: East Antrim
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5786268

Text

I thank the Minister for his response. Something that concerns me is that, in the past few months, over 2,500 people have been deregistered in East Antrim. That development may not be included in the Minister's stats. The figures are stark: only one third of adults in rural communities are registered with a dentist; 67% of children are registered; and a quarter of a million people across Northern Ireland have been deregistered. That is serious. The British Dental Association (BDA) is warning that the service requires urgent investment. Does the Minister accept that a decade of inaction has contributed to the crisis? What specific measures will he take now to increase NHS dental provision across Northern Ireland?

117 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 4082/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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