Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA is urging the Minister of Health to develop a new Oral Health Strategy and address the severe funding crisis in dentistry.

Speaking ahead of an Alliance Party Assembly motion today, Tuesday 27 May, McAllister stressed that dental care is an "essential form of preventative healthcare" and should not be considered a luxury, warning that the crisis will worsen without immediate measures. The North Belfast MLA highlighted the significant financial viability struggles faced by many dental practices due to a gap between Health Department fees and the cost of providing services. This disparity is forcing practices to increasingly shift away from NHS services towards private work to remain open, leaving patients with limited affordable options. As a result, Northern Ireland now has only two dental practices offering fully NHS services, creating an inequality where many cannot afford necessary private care.

McAllister's motion calls for an "ambitious Oral Health Strategy" to ensure better oral health for all and a "long-term, sustainable investment model" to address the funding crisis. A crucial first step, she noted, is to expedite the ongoing review of dentistry costs. The Alliance Party vows to continue pressuring the Health Minister to take action, asserting that without intervention, the dental crisis will escalate, leading to further disparities in healthcare access.