£5.1m NHS Dental Budget Underspend Forecasted: Paul Davies MS Demands Answers
Paul Davies MS has called for an urgent explanation from the Welsh Government after it emerged that Hywel Dda University Health Board is forecasting a £5.1 million underspend in its NHS dental budget for 2026/27.
According to the Pembrokeshire Herald, the Health Board also confirmed in correspondence to the Welsh Government that it had paused further commitments against its dental funding allocation.
The revelations come amid continuing difficulties accessing NHS dentistry across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, with the Health Board previously identifying Pembrokeshire and north Ceredigion as areas with particularly poor access.
In the Senedd today (3rd November), Paul Davies, the Conservative Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro, called for a statement from the Welsh Government outlining what discussions Ministers have held with the Health Board and what action is being taken to ensure ringfenced dental funding is fully utilised.
Mr Davies said:
"How can we have people across Ceredigion Penfro struggling to find an NHS dentist while the Health Board is forecasting a £5.1 million underspend? "Every penny ringfenced for NHS dentistry should be used to improve services and access for patients. I've called for a statement from the Welsh Government to establish what discussions Ministers have had with the Health Board and what action is being taken to ensure this funding is spent.”
"I'll always ask the difficult questions and challenge decisions when it comes to securing better healthcare services for our communities, and dentistry is a huge concern for people living in this area.So many people have been forced to pay privately after dental practices handed back their NHS contracts, while those still providing NHS services are under enormous pressure.”
"While the Welsh Government introduced a new NHS dental contract in April 2026, serious concerns remain about how these arrangements are working in practice. It's absolutely critical that the Welsh Government urgently reviews the impact of the new contract, particularly in rural areas like Ceredigion Penfro, to ensure it is delivering for both patients and dental practices. Where problems are identified, changes must be made to improve access to NHS dentistry.”
"We are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, yet I've heard from one couple who are spending £600 a year simply to maintain access to a dentist and secure their six-monthly check-ups. That is a significant financial burden for households already struggling with rising living costs, and it raises serious questions about the accessibility of NHS dentistry.”
Mr Davies is also urging residents across Ceredigion Penfro to share their experiences of accessing NHS dentistry, including difficulties finding an NHS dentist, lengthy waits for appointments or having to pay privately.