‘Dental crisis’ leaves county towns with no NHS provision
THERE is ‘grave concern’ following the announcement that a Cross Hands dental surgery will no longer treat patients on the NHS.
In a statement, Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that Llandeilo Road Dental Surgery has decided to end its NHS contract at the end of August.
However, the surgery will provide any urgent care which patients require up to and including August 31, and ensure the completion of any treatment.
The health board said it wants to secure a sustainable solution for NHS dental services in the area and is committed to replacing this service as soon as possible.
The decision to stop treating NHS patients after this summer comes as both Ammanford and Llandeilo have seen their remaining NHS dental contracts also being returned.
Plaid Cymru MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Adam Price and regional MS for Mid and West Wales Cefin Campbell have expressed grave concern.
A previous freedom of information request from Mr Campbell found that there are more than 3,400 residents in Llanelli and Llandeilo on a waiting list for an NHS dentist.
Both politicians said waiting list data for the whole of Carmarthenshire was not held by the health board.
In total, the Hywel Dda Health Board area has lost 20 NHS dentists between 2018 and 2022, a figure which Mr Price said had led towards “a dental crisis” in Carmarthenshire.
He said: “We now have an unprecedented situation where a number of towns, like Ammanford, Llandeilo and Newcastle Emlyn have no NHS dental provision.
“We are in the midst of a dental crisis in the county.”
“This has been brought to the Senedd many times, it is clear the Welsh Government does not grasp the seriousness of the situation, much more needs to be done.”
Mr Campbell added: “It is clear by now that the Welsh Labour Government are failing to address the growing dental emergency emerging within our communities.
“I am particularly concerned as to the impact this drastic shrinking of NHS dental care is likely to have on residents who will be unable to afford private treatment.”
The Welsh Government said in March that it had increased funding for dentistry by more than £27m compared to 2018-19. This includes £2m specifically added in 2022-23 for health boards to address local access issues.
The Welsh Government said it also continues to work with the sector to explore how the reform of the national dental contract can encourage dental practices to collaborate and best respond to the needs of their communities.