Constituents are regularly raising concerns about NHS dental care, particularly their frustration at waiting over 2 years to register as an NHS patient. 23 years of Welsh Labour has led to an enormous dental services decline. The British Dental Association warned in a recent BBC article that NHS Dentistry in Wales could disappear.
The recent BDA findings are incredibly worrying. Only 7% of Welsh dental practices are registering new NHS patients. Considering thousands of my constituents are waiting 26 months for an appointment, this is completely unacceptable.
Shockingly, Wales has the least accessible NHS dentistry in the UK, and I fear this will not change anytime soon. Since 2019 we have consistently seen higher numbers leaving the dental profession than joining. To me, it makes perfect sense to lift barriers currently discouraging dentists from working in Wales. Making it easier for those qualified elsewhere to practice here alleviates waiting times and makes dental care more accessible.
Last year, barely 45% of people in RCT received dental treatment. The people of South Wales Central are not getting the dental care and attention they deserve.
I was disappointed with the Health Minister’s statement this month as it failed to reflect the realities of my constituents. Her focus on boosting access is needed, but it should not come at the expense of patient care. My concern is that reducing check-ups to once a year, means gum disease and oral cancer will go undetected resulting in more complex treatments.
I firmly agree with Shadow Minister for Health – Russell George, that the Welsh Government have presided over the creation of a three-tiered system in dental care. We have a situation where people can neither afford nor access an NHS dentist. It is time the Welsh Government brought NHS dentistry spending per head in line with Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it is £55 and £56 respectively.
Ultimately, the Welsh Government needs to rethink their spending and priorities. Instead of spending an obscene £130m on unpopular projects such as Senedd expansion and reducing speed limits, they need to sustainably invest in our dentists and avoid creating dental deserts in Wales.
ENDS
