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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:21 pm on 14 March 2023.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 5:21, 14 March 2023

(Translated)

May I just emphasise therefore, we're talking—? In terms of our constituents who contact us, many do qualify for free treatment, but they can't find a dentist to do the work. That's the category we're talking about. And I haven't seen any clarity on that at all.

If I look at South Wales Central, here are some of the facts that have been provided by the British Dental Association: 18 per cent of dentists are likely to cease providing NHS services and go private only; 39 per cent to reduce the amount of work that they do for the NHS. May I ask specifically, therefore? You said that the data you have now may not reflect that, but this is what we're hearing and this is what's likely to happen, apparently.

So, can you give us some clarity as to how many have reduced their contractual requirements—not handed them back, but reduced them? We haven't had any clarity on that. I'm hearing more and more in my region about the complexities that dentists see because of the nature and the density of the problems that they treat. And some of the comments made by dentists are very cutting indeed. They need more time with these patients, and they are concerned that all of these changes will be prejudiced against areas with high levels of health needs.

Can I also ask whether your message today to the people of Wales is that everyone who can afford to go private for dental treatment should do so? Because that's what I'm hearing.