Bangor and Aberystwyth universities have submitted a joint high-level proposal to the Welsh Government to create a dental school serving north and mid Wales, a move welcomed by politicians and academics amid a deepening urgent dental care crisis.
The plan would establish dental education centres across the two regions, co-managed by both universities and developed in collaboration with health boards and Cardiff University. Its stated aim is to strengthen primary and community dental care — particularly in rural and Welsh-speaking areas.
A Bangor University statement said the school would build on existing strengths, including Bangor’s North Wales Medical School and health science programmes and Aberystwyth’s nursing and rural health expertise. It highlighted efforts to expand Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy training with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and private providers.
Plaid Cymru politicians who have campaigned for enhanced dental training welcomed the submission. Arfon MS Sian Gwenllian, who commissioned the September 2024 “Filling the Gaps” report and led a Senedd debate in January 2025, said the proposal responded to clear local need.
“The case is undeniable,” she said. “The dental crisis in the north is deepening, and we now need bold, collaborative action to deliver the workforce our communities deserve.”
Plaid leader and Ynys M?n MS Rhun ap Iorwerth called the proposal “an exciting and welcomed development,” saying north Wales representatives would work with universities and stakeholders to press the plans forward.
Elin Jones, Llywydd of the Senedd and MS for Ceredigion, added that the scheme could help train more dentists in Wales and increase the number of Welsh-speaking practitioners in areas that currently have “very limited access to NHS dentists.”
University leaders stressed the proposal is at an early stage. Professor Mike Larvin, Bangor’s Vice-Provost and Head of the College of Medicine & Health, said the university was “wholeheartedly committed” and had increased its academic capacity and facilities in readiness, but warned that funding constraints remain.
“We are working with the Welsh Government so that, when policy and funding environments permit, we are prepared to rapidly implement our proposals,” he said.
Aberystwyth’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Sciences, Professor Iain Barber, noted the long-running local shortage of dental professionals and cited evidence that clinicians often practice where they train.
Cardiff University’s School of Dentistry head, Professor Nicola Innes, said Cardiff welcomed the opportunity to support initial plans and to help make training available across Wales, mirroring the approach used to establish the North Wales Medical School.
The joint submission marks the latest step in efforts to tackle shortages in dental services across rural Wales. Officials say any further progress will depend on formal strategic approval and the availability of public funding.