Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said dental practices in Fermanagh and South Tyrone will benefit from a range of new funding streams. 

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine asked the minister to detail how he was improving access to NHS dentists in the area.

In particular, Mrs. Erskine referenced patients who have relocated to Fermanagh and South Tyrone, having been previously registered with an NHS dentist in another area.

Minister Nesbitt said that as dental practices are businesses, his department has "no role in placing patients".

It is the decision of the practice whether or not to accept new patients, whether Health Service or private.

However, he outlined a number of measures that are set to benefit local patients. 

These included a six per cent pay uplift for General Dentist Services, and an uplift to cover non-staff expenses, as well as a £9.2m investment package for General Dental Services. 

"Practices in Fermanagh and South Tyrone will benefit from all three of these new funding streams," Minister Nesbitt said. 

"Until the Dental Access Scheme is implemented, a pilot scheme will continue to run to provide appointments to unregistered patients who require emergency dental treatment during the working week. 

"If a patient is not registered with a dentist, requires emergency dental treatment, and has been unable to access an appointment, they can contact their local Strategic Planning and Performance Group office for advice."