An MP has spoken out about the state of dentistry in Wales and made calls for swift action.
Rob Roberts MP, the representative for Delyn, Wales, was prompted to take a stand following a series of dental practice closures in the area.
He listed a number of factors affecting access to dentistry in Flint and the surrounding areas including:
- Fewer overseas dental professionals
- Struggle to train and educate enough dentists
- Difficult regulatory environments
- Patients opting for NHS dentistry when they can afford private work.
Dissatisfied patients
More people in England, Scotland and Wales are now dissatisfied (41%) with the NHS than are satisfied. This is the first time it has happened since 2002.
The lowest levels of satisfaction stands with both GPs (38%) and dentists (33%).
Louise Ansari is the national director at Healthwatch England. She said: ‘With the NHS facing pressures across the whole system, these findings are not a reflection on how hard the NHS is working.’
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Access troubles
Now, Rob Roberts MP is raising his worries with the Health Minister in Wales after requesting a meeting with the local health board.
He added that he will also meet with the General Dental Council (GDC) and the British Dental Association (BDA).
Earlier this year, a dentist also highlighted access problems in Flint in Parliament.
Fair funding
Welsh Conservatives are now calling for authorities to implement a fair funding settlement for NHS dentistry.
According to Nation Cymru, new figures show that government spending in Wales stood at £47 per head before the pandemic. In Scotland, this was £55 and £56 in Northern Ireland.
However, England had the lowest spend per head at around £35.
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