Thousands of people in Powys are currently waiting to see an NHS dentist, new figures reveal, highlighting the ongoing difficulties many residents face accessing dental care in rural Wales. According to data released by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, there are 3,734 individuals on dental waiting lists in Powys alone, including 10 children. This is part of a wider problem, as more than 51,000 people are waiting for NHS dentist appointments across Wales, with a significant number of children affected.
Residents in north Powys often rely on the Powys Teaching Health Board and, sometimes, nearby boards such as Betsi Cadwaladr and Hywel Dda for services, depending on where they live and which dental practices serve their area. These arrangements can create further challenges for patients trying to get routine dental care, especially as some practices have reduced their NHS commitments due to funding and workload concerns.
Local politicians say that the high waiting numbers show a long-standing crisis in dental access for the region. Cllr Glyn Preston, the Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Gwynedd Maldwyn, spoke of the difficulties parents face in finding NHS places for their children, and how many adults are forced into expensive private care or left suffering without treatment. He urged the Welsh Government to invest more in dental services and make changes that allow dental therapists and nurses to carry out more procedures, aiming to reduce the pressure on dentists.
In other parts of Wales, such as the Cardiff and Vale and Hywel Dda health board areas, over 13,000 and 12,000 people respectively are waiting for NHS dental care. North Wales’ health board, Betsi Cadwaladr, also reports nearly 8,000 people on its list, including over 1,100 children. Access to NHS dentists has been a problem in north Powys for several years, with many residents having to travel far or join private schemes when local places are not available.
The Welsh Government says it is working on reforms to make dental contracts better and is investing in new ways to improve prevention and access to care. However, some politicians and residents believe progress is slow and waiting lists remain too long for those needing basic dental services. Emergency dental treatment is available through health boards even for those not registered with a practice, but regular access to dentists varies depending on where people live. The release of these figures is expected to increase attention on rural healthcare ahead of the next Senedd election.
Tags: dental care