6. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Dental Reform

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:03 pm on 14 March 2023.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 5:03, 14 March 2023

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Minister, I wonder if you could address a situation that occurred in my constituency in Caldicot, where, in October last year, an NHS dentist wrote out to their 10,000 NHS patients telling them they were reducing the number to 2,500 effective from 1 January this year, and all of those 10,000 would have to reapply for an NHS place if they wanted one. So, that led to a situation of great concern amongst the local community, and the position now is that most of the people affected who haven't remained as NHS patients with that practice have to travel several miles to access NHS dentistry, or they have registered as private patients. Some will now have unmet dental need because they are not in a position, as vulnerable people, to travel the distance required for NHS treatment and, of course, they can't pay privately.

One other matter, Minister, which is that I have a 13-year-old girl who has been told she will have to wait three years to have braces fitted, and I wonder if you could say something about that situation. Thank you.