How is the Welsh Government supporting communities in Powys where there are no dentists providing NHS appointments?
It is always disappointing when a dentist decides to reduce or end their NHS commitment. When this happens the funding for the lost provision remains with the health board for it to replace the level of NHS dental services.
Contract returns can provide an opportunity for the health board to re-distribute dental investment. For example, in Powys, returned funding has been used to establish salaried general dental services. This includes employment of a dental therapist to help ensure no children are waiting to access NHS dental care for an extended period. Powys Teaching Health Board also deploys a mobile dental unit, which can reach under-served areas.
The vast majority of dental practices are seeking to continue their NHS contracts and we are confident there are providers which want to take on contracts which have been terminated.
Health Education and Improvement Wales has developed an enhanced offer to encourage dentists to complete their foundation year in dental practices across rural Wales, rather than popular urban areas. There are three such posts in Powys.
Powys Teaching Health Board has also participated in a pilot with Cardiff University enabling final-year dental students undertake part of their clinical study in Powys’ community dental service. This supports new dentists to train and work in rural areas.