It comes after the British Dental Association (BDA) raised concerns about a possible ban on the use of dental amalgam for fillings in Northern Ireland from next year.
The European Parliament voted this week to go ahead with the ban, but the decision has yet to be accepted by the European Council.
While Great Britain will face disruption and higher costs due to the impact on supply chains, Northern Ireland will be hit with an official ban as a result of the post-Brexit deals.
The BDA said the move would mean “longer procedures and higher material costs”, which could force dentists away from NHS work and into private practice.
An EU amendment includes provision for member state governments to introduce pay measures for dentists to help with the transition, but the absence of the Stormont executive means this cannot happen in NI if the ban is implemented.
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said the Stormont Brake — a mechanism set up under the Windsor Framework — could be used to prevent the rule from coming into force.
However, the mechanisms are subject to the operation of the Stormont institutions.
“This proposal is still subject to further negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council,” a spokesman added.
“The UK’s position is similar to phasing out the use of dental amalgam, but our priority remains that everyone seeking dental care can get it when they need it.”
Northern Ireland’s Department of Health (DoH) said it is developing plans to mitigate the impact of any change to the law on dental amalgam.
“The Department of Health has noted recent progress on EU mercury regulations, which include dental amalgam, and continues to work with relevant government agencies on the practical implications of the proposed changes,” a spokesman said.
“The department understands that the regulations are not yet final, with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU still having to negotiate a final deal in the coming months.
“However, the department is developing plans to ensure any changes can be implemented as seamlessly as possible and this will include ongoing engagement with GDS providers and the British Dental Association to ensure issues of concern are addressed.”
This week the BDA claimed the proposal could have serious implications for dentistry in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“While the BDA has long supported the phasing out of dental amalgam, it believes that this rapid phase out is neither feasible nor justified,” a BDA spokesperson said.
“Right now there isn’t even the political space to implement agreed wage increases. More time for fillings means fewer appointments, increasing access problems.
“Amalgam lasts longer and is easier to place than any of the current alternatives.
“Faced with rising costs and flat investment, some practices currently provide NHS treatments – particularly those requiring laboratory work – at a financial loss.
“Additional costs and reduced time will further squeeze practices and likely push more out of the NHS.”
