CONCERNS REMAIN OVER DENTAL CRISIS DESPITE GOVERNMENT REFORMS

CONCERNS REMAIN OVER DENTAL CRISIS DESPITE GOVERNMENT REFORMS, says Plaid

Responding to Welsh Government’s changes to NHS dental contracts, Plaid Cymru spokesperson for health and social care, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, said:

“NHS dental services in Wales are in existential crisis. Despite warning signs being apparent for some time, the Labour Welsh Government’s actions have led to NHS dentists handing over their contracts in their droves and the spread of dental deserts across Wales. Access to dentistry is now a luxury determined by means, rather than a right afforded to everyone.

“Plaid Cymru’s concerns remain. The Labour Welsh Government must be clear about the possible implications as a result of increased gap between check-ups, prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of dentists as a result of workload, and improve data gathering for increased transparency. If urgent steps aren't taken to better support dentists so that they choose to stay in the NHS, it will be patients that suffer."