Dental patient registrations in Northern Ireland decreased by 9% over the year
Date published:
New accredited official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Business Services Organisation (BSO) present information on general dental services in Northern Ireland for the 2025/26 financial year.
Key findings
During 2025/26:
- The number of registered patients was 95,000 (9%) lower than in 2025. Just under half (49%) of the population were registered with a Health Service dentist in March 2026.
- In March 2026, 67% of children and 44% of adults were registered with a Health Service dentist.
- At March 2026, there were 351 dental practices and 1,180 dentists in Northern Ireland. This equated to 61 dentists per 100,000 residents in Northern Ireland at March 2026.
- 94% of the population lived within five miles of a dental practice.
- Approximately 553,000 examinations were conducted on adults, a decrease of 4% compared with 2024/25.
- The gross cost of dental services was £134.4 million. The average cost per registered patient was £118.70, an increase of 11% compared with the previous year.
About this publication
This report provides an overview of dental activity carried out by general dental practitioners in Northern Ireland.
It details information on the number of general dental practitioners in Northern Ireland, the number of registered patients and the treatments carried out and submitted to BSO for payment.
Further information
Read the full report: General dental services for Northern Ireland: annual statistics 2025/26
View data tables and background information: General dental services statistics - Business Services Organisation (BSO)