Private dentists based in England are to be invited to help carry out NHS work in Northern Ireland .
Following an assembly debate on the shortage of NHS dentists, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey announced that the independent sector would be invited to tender for a large scale contract to provide dental services to NHS patients in Northern Ireland .
"Everyone in Northern Ireland should be able to access health service dentistry, no matter where they live and regardless of their circumstances, and that is my aim," he said.
Mr McGimpsey stressed that the idea to send dentists overseas to help carry out work had been a success elsewhere.
Despite the new contract requiring fresh legislation before being given the go-ahead to set up, it is hoped a pilot scheme could begin as soon as next year.




