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  2. About us
  3. Our structure
  4. Representative committees
  5. General Dental Practice
  6. Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee

It is recognised by government as having the status and authority to negotiate on behalf of all Health Service (HS) GDPs on matters of terms and conditions of service, contracts, and remuneration in the General Dental Services (GDS).

Our priorities

  • Representing the interests, and acting on behalf of all GDPs in Northern Ireland
  • Negotiating with government on terms and conditions and remuneration for GDPs
  • Formulating policy positions on issues that impact GDPs, including regulation of dental practice, increasing costs of running a dental practice, and negotiations towards a new GDS contract
  • Ensuring that the views of GDPs are represented when it comes to health policy being developed by government and other key organisations
  • Acting as a channel of communication between the BDA and GDPs.

Our team

Chair NIDPC Belfast/South Eastern HSCT

Ciara Gallagher

Ciara graduated from Birmingham University in 1996 obtaining her MFGDP in 1998. She has been a member of NIDPC for over a decade and is now in her second term as chair Ciara is proud to chair a committee of dedicated and compassionate peers and is looking forward to a triennium of significant change, heralded by the forthcoming cost of service review and the resultant negotiations. She hopes that this will finally produce an adequately funded, patient and prevention centred contract. Ciara owns, a thriving seven surgery dental practice in Downpatrick offering a comprehensive range of dental services, from routine check-ups and NHS dentistry to advanced cosmetic and implant treatments.
Ciara Gallagher Chair
Joint Vice-Chair NIDPC Belfast/South Eastern HSCT

Philip McLorinan

Philip qualified from Queen’s University, Belfast. In 2004 he opened the doors of Dunmurry Dental Practice, which is a multi-award winning six surgery dental practice providing dentistry both privately and under the NHS. He is a part-time Clinical Tutor in Restorative Dentistry at Queens, a role he has enjoyed since early 2001. Philip is actively involved in the BDA, representing dentists in NI on many committees and supporting educational and social activities of the local NI Branch. In recognition he was awarded a Merit Award in 2022, serves as Sponsorship Secretary in the NI Branch and was President of the BDA NI in it's centenary in 2023. He continues his post-graduate professional development completing courses in many aspects of dentistry and has gained a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Healthcare Professionals from QUB.
Philip Mclorinan Vice Chair March 2025
Joint Vice-Chair NIDPC Western HSCT

Kegan Lewis

Kegan graduated from Queen's University Belfast in 2009 and has been practicing NHS Dentistry in Northern Ireland ever since. In 2014, she transitioned to practice ownership in the rural Northwest and is now in her 7th year as an Educational Supervisor in the Dental Foundation Training scheme. In 2023, she earned an MSc in Clinical Education, furthering her interest in the development of the dental workforce. Kegan has also held a three-year position as the Educational Supervisor Representative on the Northern Ireland Committee of Dental Foundation Training and has recently taken on the role of Secretary for the Western Local Dental Committee.
Kegan Lewis Vice Chair
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General Dental Services Levy Fund

BDA members receive a subsistence allowance where appropriate and have their travel costs reimbursed. The Northern Ireland General Dental Services Levy Fund pays dentists sessional rates for time away on committee business. See British Dental Guild Rate for information.

Get involved and get in touch

Members are elected on a constituency basis for a three-year period and the current triennium runs from 2022 - 2025. NIDPC is always keen to ensure that the views of GDPs are represented when it comes to health policy being developed by government. NIDPC are here to represent you and encourage you to get involved in BDA activity. The NIDPC can be contacted via email: [email protected]