Dental practices across Wales are just
DENTAL practices in Wales are at risk of imminent collapse due to the lack of financial support during the covid-19 pandemic, it has been revealed.
The British Dental Association (BDA) claims some practices are “weeks away” from going under with those providing primarily private care worst affected.
All routine and non-urgent care was suspended by the Welsh Government a month ago to allow resources to be concentrated on those in greatest need.
The BDA carried out a poll which garnered responses from nearly a quarter of all dental practices across the UK.
It revealed that:
■ More than half (57%) of Welsh practices report they can only remain financially sustainable for three months or less. Nearly one in 10 (9%) estimate they can only survive the month;
■ Less than a third (32%) estimate they will be placed to restore pre-pandemic levels of patient access;
■ 22% of practices responding in Wales have already attempted to secure a government-backed interruption loan but none were able to secure credit ;
■ 36% of those who failed have already had to seek commercial loans to stay afloat, at reported rates of interest of more than 20%;
■ Practices performing a greater share of private work in Wales appear most exposed, with 62% of those with low or no NHS commitment (0-25% NHS) stating they will face imminent difficulties in the next three months, falling to 53% among those with the highest NHS commitments (75% or more of NHS activity).
Chairman of the BDA Mick Armstrong said: “Practices across Wales are now weeks away from a cliff edge, saddling themselves with debt they may never be able to repay.
“It was right to suspend all nonurgent care but without meaningful support the nation’s dental services face decimation and no practice can be excluded.
“Dentistry cannot weather this storm when nearly every surgery relies on private care to stay afloat.
“If officials let these vital services go to the wall the impact will be felt by patients in every community.”
While the NHS side of practices have been offered some support by government, the BDA has warned that if those practices with a greater reli