NI dentist shortage warning

More dentists are turning to private care

A shortage of NHS dentists in Northern Ireland is leading to a crisis in care, the British Dental Association has warned.

The association says more dentists are turning to private care.

The BDA's director in Northern Ireland, Claudette Christie, says more needs to be done to change the way dental care is delivered.

She said patients in some areas of the province were finding it difficult to get appointments.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster on Thursday, Ms Christie said: "Health service dentistry here is caught in a funding system that does not allow dentists to deliver preventive based, holistic care to patients," she said.

"Dentists, in their efforts to provide high quality care, are moving away from the health service.

"The problem here is certainly chronic and may well become acute."

A Department of Health spokesperson said it was working closely with the BDA to develop a new dental strategy.