23/04/2025
Have your say on the future of NHS dentistry. 👇
Major Changes Proposed for NHS Dental Care in Wales 🦷
The Welsh Government has announced sweeping reforms to NHS Dental Services in Wales, with new changes set to take effect from April 2026. As part of shaping these reforms, a public consultation is open until 19th June 2025, giving everyone—patients, dental professionals, and the wider community—a chance to have their say on the future of NHS dental care in Wales.
What Could These Changes Mean for Patients? 🤔
- No Formal Patient Registration: Once your oral health is considered stable, you may be referred to a central Dental Access Portal instead of being registered with a specific practice, and you'll be recalled for a check-up every 18–24 months.
- Limited Availability at Recall: Routine preventative appointments may become less frequent due to capacity constraints, potentially stretching beyond current recommended timeframes.
- Rotating Care Model: You might be assigned to different dental practices for each course of treatment. While this aims to increase access, it could disrupt continuity of care and make it harder to build trust with a single dentist. Some dentists worry this could mean the end of the traditional family dental practice.
- Data Sharing Limitations: There are currently no plans for sharing notes or x-rays between practices, which could impact continuity and personalised care.
- No Additional Funding Announced: Without more investment from the Welsh Government, expanding access to new patients could reduce availability for those already receiving care.
- Fee Changes: NHS treatment fees for paying patients may rise under the new model.
What Could These Changes Mean for Dental Practices? 🏥
- New expectations, such as achieving 40% activity in the first six months, may be challenging for some practices.
- The funding structure has not been updated to reflect rising service costs, which could influence whether practices stay within the NHS or go private.
- Issues with data sharing and patient continuity may affect how practices deliver long-term care.
Your Voice Matters! 🗣️
This is a crucial opportunity for everyone in Wales—patients, dental teams, and community members—to share feedback and help shape a new NHS Dental Service that works for all. The Welsh Government is encouraging everyone to get involved and make their voices heard during the consultation process.
How to Have Your Say 📝
You can access the consultation document online, fill in the survey, or send your feedback by email or post. Details are available in the consultation document, so don't miss your chance to influence the future of dental care in Wales.
With big changes on the horizon for NHS dental care in Wales, now is the time to get involved and ensure your views are heard. Whether you're a patient, a dental professional, or a concerned community member, your feedback could help shape a better, fairer dental service for everyone in Wales! 🦷✨
