Dr Meabh Owens says waiting times have got worse and the needs of patients have increased
Dr Owens said waiting times for patients - both NHS and private- were running into months and the time had come for the department to intervene. Michelle Barrett, a mother-of-three in Derry, has said she has had ongoing issues trying to get one of her children registered with a dentist in the city.Michelle Barrett says she has been trying to register one of her children at a dentist in Derry for just over a year
Ms Barrett said some dentists she rang did say they could offer a private appointment, but said due to the current cost of living crisis that is "simply not an option" at the moment because she cannot afford it.Dr Owen's practice cares for more than 12,000 patient and does not have the capacity to take on any more."It feels like we are climbing a mountain and every time we climb up, the peak seems to be that bit higher and further away from us.
The department had provided "significant financial support" to the industry during the last two years, it said in a statement.