Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:41 pm on 11 October 2022.
First Minister, the Health and Social Care Committee is beginning an inquiry into dentistry later this week. As you know, there are huge issues with people being able to access dental treatment, but one of the major issues is the impact that the cost-of-living challenges will have on patients. A concern raised is that patients who are receiving private treatment will now join, or attempt to join, NHS waiting lists, and, according to the Welsh NHS Confederation, that has the potential to add already further pressure on the system. Now, according to consultation responses, there are vast inequalities in oral health. People living in mid Wales, especially if you live in Powys, cannot access, as a new patient, an NHS dentist at all. So, can I ask what is the Government doing to close the inequality gap? And what is the Welsh Government going to do to support those who cannot afford to access dental treatment?