Financial support scheme for dentists extended until Christmas
by Gaby Bissett
The Financial Support Scheme will continue for dentists in Northern Ireland until the end of the year, it has been confirmed.
Michael O’Neill, the acting director of general healthcare policy, this week announced that the scheme will continue for another month.
Additionally, for this November – December payment cycle, the abatement factor will not apply. This is subject to the current scheme conditions being met.
In response to the pandemic, extra funding is available to support general dental services for the rest of the financial year.
Fair and effective financial support
Mr O’Neill said he will soon confirm details of how the scheme will operate from January to March 2021.
He writes ‘In the context of the revised dental operational guidance, as advised in the acting chief dental officer’s letter dated 21 October 2020, and changing COVID-19 restrictions, consideration continues in relation to how to fairly and effectively allocate the available funding.
‘The British Dental Association (BDA) is engaged on an ongoing basis.’
This comes as the CDOs of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland speak out amidst new pandemic measures.
The letter – signed by CDO for Northern Ireland, Michael Donaldson – acknowledges that teams will face renewed pressure.
