‘weeks away from cliff edge’

ance on private work go under whatever service remains will be unable to meet patient demand.

The private side of dentistry effectively cross-subsidises the NHS budget, with total spend on private care exceeding the UK-wide NHS dental budget every year since 2012.

A 2019 study by the BDA into patient access found just one in six practices in Wales were accepting new NHS dental patients last year.

Only practices with rateable values of £12,000 or less are eligible for a government grant of £10,000.

Dentist leaders are pressing for the full business rates relief offered to the retail and hospitality sectors to be extended to all high street practices and for pledges to simplify and expand the government loan scheme to be expedited.

The BDA says all self-employed dentists, particularly those working in private practice, need access to the support outlined by UK Government chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Those earning anything £50,000 are currently excluded.

The BDA has pressed on the Treasury to ensure equitable treatment for all self-employed workers. above entirely

In response a Welsh Government spokesman said: “We are committed to supporting the dental sector which is why we have agreed that 80% of the NHS contract will be paid.

“We also recognise the particular challenges in private provision.

“Practices should check any entitlement to our Economic Resilience Fund and other sources of support, depending on their status.

“We are also continuing to work with the UK Government to ensure support from the Treasury works for as many businesses in Wales as possible.”