The length of time a health service patient is registered with an NI dentist has been extended from 15 months to two years.

A health service dental registration is automatically renewed when attending regular check ups. The extended registration time has been introduced so that patients can maintain registration with a dentist for a longer period, and help them to look after their oral health.

Welcoming the change, Acting Chief Dental Officer Donncha O'Carolan said: "It is important that patients visit their dentist for regular check ups.

"Oral health is vitally important and if monitored regularly, people are less likely to develop problems."

Donncha O'Carolan said that regular check ups also mean that dental registration is automatically renewed.

He said: "When patients attend a check up, they are asked to sign a form HS45, which automatically extends registration for a further two years. Dentists would be happy to advise patients on the most suitable recall period, based on their individual needs."

This extension is consistent with the recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on the dental recall period.

"It demonstrates the department's commitment to meeting the needs of patients in maintaining their oral health," he continued.

(BMcC/KMcA)