8. Short Debate: More than just a smile: Are care home residents getting the right dental treatment?

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:47 pm on 7 July 2021.

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Photo of Sioned Williams Sioned Williams Plaid Cymru 5:47, 7 July 2021

(Translated)

I'm pleased to make a brief contribution to this important debate. The General Dental Council notes that, because of the pandemic, which has exacerbated health inequalities, that older people and those considered clinically vulnerable face increasing challenges in accessing all sorts of dental care, and it's clear that some care home residents fall into that category. And I believe, even before the pandemic, that there was a need for an additional focus on this area in order to tackle the inequality in dental provision across the generations.

The aim of the Welsh Government in this area is laudable, and I welcome the guidance on ensuring that individuals are supported to care for their teeth, and that appropriate oral healthcare is available and that oral health is monitored. But the key question for us is how do we track this. It appears that a lack of up-to-date research in Wales is a problem, and I would be grateful to hear what plans the Welsh Government has to track the aims of Gwên am Byth. How can you know if Government guidance is being implemented? Thank you.