Two-year wait for treatment

CHILDREN with crooked and abnormal teeth are being forced to wait more than two years for NHS treatment.

A spokeswoman for the health board said they were “very concerned” about the situation.

CHILDREN with crooked and abnormal teeth in the Bridgend area are being forced to wait more than two years for NHS treatment.

The discovery has been made by Conservative AM for South Wales West Suzy Davies, who branded the delay for orthodontic treatment “intolerable”.

She has called on Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU) to take urgent action to prevent children carrying dental problems into adulthood.

According to the NHS’ own website, abnormal development of the teeth and jaw due to overcrowded or crooked teeth can affect the shape of the face. A spokeswoman for ABMU said they were “very concerned” about the situation and were looking into what has caused it.

She said: “It has been confirmed that 16% of the referrals received in Bridgend are inappropriate, being for children under 10 years old.

“Dentists in Bridgend have been advised to, where possible, offer Bridgend patients appointments in Neath Port Talbot and Swansea where waits are currently less.

“The health board is also working with the network of orthodontists to both review inappropriate referrals and to re-balance the waiting times position across the ABMU area.

“We apologise to everyone affected and wish to reassure you we are doing all we can to resolve the situation.”

Mrs Davies said: “I thought I was beyond being shocked by anything to do with healthcare delays in Wales but this figure is truly staggering.

“Children’s teeth can grow a lot in two years and delays in ensuring that the teeth develop in the correct way will undoubtedly result in problems for people, perhaps into adulthood.

“This is totally unacceptable.”