Concerns have been raised over the privatisation of Keady Dental Practice
Sinn Féin councillor, Ashley Mallon, says she is shocked by the move and has concerns for residents in the area who have, for years, relied on NHS treatments.
Speaking on the issue, the Keady based councillor, said: “The privatisation of Keady Dental Practice is a concern for the local community who have for years relied on this practise for NHS treatments.
“The move to a direct debit system for patients is simply unaffordable for some families and will price some out of treatment.
“Back in June, my party colleague and Sinn Féin Health spokesperson, Liz Kimmins, called on the Health Minister to bring forward a plan to tackle the worrying trend of privatisation of dental services.
“She also raised the issue for dentists themselves having to roll back from NHS treatments amid rising costs and the viability of practises.
“The Minister must get on with that plan and the Oral Health Strategy ensure that dental services remain accessible and affordable for local communities.”
The privatisation of dentists has been increasing since the early nineties, however, the trend has been increasing in recent years, especially as funding for dental care has been falling since 2006.
Under an NHS contract, dentists are paid a set amount for treatments, regardless of whether it is a straightforward filling or a series of complicated treatments.
As a result, many dentists are pulling out of NHS contracts and going private because they are struggling to make ends meet.
