Northern Ireland is to tender for services from the private sector across the UK to combat a shortage of NHS dentists, health minister Michael McGimpsey has announced.

Speaking in a debate on access to dental services in the Northern Ireland Assembly last month, Mr McGimpsey said 'I have approved a tender for services from the independent sector. While there is limited capacity among our high street dentists to provide additional services, I know there are other interested parties operating in other parts of the UK who could.'

Mr McGimpsey acknowledged that access was becoming increasingly difficult in Northern Ireland, despite the province having the highest number of dentists per capita of all four countries in the UK, because of the 'drift towards private dentistry'. Recruitment of salaried dentists was also difficult. The Western Health and Social Services Board had advertised for salaried dentists at a salary of £53,000 and received no applicants, he said.

Mr McGimpsey said 'I am hopeful that the Department will be in a position to go out to tender in a matter of months.' 'Dental organisations could offer additional dental workforce members here,' he told the Assembly.

Claudette Christie, BDA director for Northern Ireland, applauded the minister's pledge but added 'recruiting extra dentists to some parts could provide a significant challenge, regardless of what body is carrying out the recruitment.'