Local MS Samuel Kurtz MS voiced strong concerns over the Welsh Government’s latest approach to NHS dentistry, warning it could further jeopardise access to vital dental care for millions in Wales.
Currently, over 1.5 million people in Wales are unable to secure an NHS dentist, with many more facing months or even years of waiting for treatment. Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, highlighted the scale of the problem, calling it “one of the top issues” raised by constituents.
“The system is failing,” Kurtz said. “Patients are left in pain, dentists are overwhelmed, and public trust in NHS dentistry is eroding all while the Welsh Labour Government is sitting back and watching this crisis unfold.”
The controversy centres on the government’s offer of a 6% funding increase, tied to a mandatory reform programme that has been widely criticised by dental professionals. The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned that the conditions attached to the offer could force more dentists out of the NHS, exacerbating an already critical situation.
Kurtz called for urgent action, urging the government to reconsider its approach. “With more dentists handing back NHS contracts, it’s clear the current system isn’t working. This latest move risks being the final blow to NHS dentistry in Wales.”
He added, “The Welsh Government must work with, not against, dentists to deliver meaningful reform, tackle patient backlogs, and ensure that access to dental care improves – not deteriorates further.”
Welsh General Dental Practice Chair Russell Gidney said: “This is a spectacular display of bad faith from the Welsh Government.
“The sole authors of record-breaking delays on pay are based in Cardiff Bay. For the very first time Ministers have sought to tie the hands of demoralised dentists.
“They made pay rises conditional on signing up to changes that will underpin a programme of reform that could sink this service.
“This forces colleagues to sign up to a deal that failed to keep pace with soaring costs.
“It should come as little surprise to the Welsh Government that no health professional is going to roll over and welcome a pay cut.”
