Northern Ireland Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, recently visited Kilrea Dental Surgery to recognise the practice’s vital contribution to improving access through the Dental Access Scheme (DAS).
Since joining the Scheme in 2024, the Kilrea Surgery has treated 3,817 patients.
Accompanied by chief dental officer, Caroline Lappin, Nesbitt met practice owner, Charlie Kielt, and his team and heard how the scheme has expanded access to care and supported the growth of dental services in the Kilrea area.
Speaking during the visit, Nesbitt said: “General Dental Services play a crucial role in improving population health and reducing pressure on other parts of the health service.
“I am delighted to visit Kilrea Dental Surgery, alongside the chief dental officer to see, first hand, the dedication of dental professionals who are ensuring that unregistered patients, including those with urgent or pressing dental needs, can access timely and effective care through the Dental Access Scheme.
“Kilrea Dental Surgery’s remarkable contribution exemplifies the success of the scheme in expanding access and stabilising urgent dental care across Northern Ireland.
“I also welcome the fact that many patients initially treated under the scheme have since become registered patients — a positive outcome that strengthens local health service provision.”
The practice recently expanded from a single surgery to a four-surgery facility, enabling the delivery of high-quality health service dental care to a growing list of over 8,000 patients.
It remains the only dental practice serving the Kilrea community, with the nearest alternatives in Coleraine and Garvagh.
While touring the site, Nesbitt reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening General Dental Services, highlighting the recent £7m investment package announced in May 2025 to support access to urgent and priority treatments and encourage new child registrations.
“I am acutely aware of the challenges facing General Dental Services, particularly around access and remuneration,” he said.
“Meaningful reform will require sustained effort and I have commissioned a cost-of-service review to ensure we have a clear and evidence-based approach to take forward.
“This is a positive step towards building a dental service that works for both patients and the profession.”
Launched in August 2024, the Dental Access Scheme currently operates across 37 participating practices to ensure unregistered patients experiencing urgent or pressing dental needs can access care during the working week.
It replaced the Pilot for Unregistered Patients and Asylum Seekers (PUPAS).
Under the Scheme 30,533 patients have been treated as of 30 September 2025.
It allows practices to treat unregistered patients with urgent (£150 per patient) and pressing (£100 per patient) needs, with a £50 supplement for asylum seekers and refugees.