Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:07 pm on 28 March 2023.
Diolch, Prif Weinidog. I've previously raised the serious concern amongst local dentists in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire about the Welsh Government's current policy direction. And like Cefin, a senior member of Dyfed Powys's local dental committee shared his views that the large financial penalties that were being threatened on dentists if they failed to meet what were described as 'unevidenced and unachievable contract reform targets'—quote—'were driving NHS dentistry provision in Wales towards a cliff edge'—another quote. But a possible solution to this, put to me by a local dentist and orthodontist in my constituency, is to reward the dentist when treatment starts, incentivising practices to see patients. So, would the Welsh Government explore this suggestion, which could help keep dentists in the NHS and support patients across Wales? Diolch.