North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has today highlighted serious concerns regarding the new NHS General Dental Services Contract in Wales and stressed that it is leaving many children and families without NHS dental care.
Speaking in the Welsh Parliament this afternoon, Mr Isherwood called for a Welsh Government Statement on the new Contract, due to be introduced on April 1st 2026.
He said:
"Despite the Health Secretary's proclamations to the contrary here last week, the British Dental Association Cymru, BDA, has raised serious concerns about the process and substance of the new NHS Dental Services Contract in Wales, including the absence of meaningful scrutiny and the lack of timely, accurate information provided to Dentists.
"They stated last month that key operational documents had not been published, leaving Practices facing major business decisions with only days to spare. They state that Dentists are being asked to operate an untested Contract, without piloting, carrying significant financial risk, with many Practices considering handing back NHS Contracts, having major implications for patient access across Wales.
"Abergele Dental Practice is the latest to hand back their Contract, and I have been contacted by constituents in Mold following Bryn Siriol Dental Practice handing back its NHS contract, forcing children and families, including my own grandchildren, out of NHS care.
"My own Dentist told me in person that this was a direct consequence of the Welsh Government's new Dental Contract, the straw that broke the camel's back.
"The human cost is now, and a Welsh Government Statement is urgently needed explaining how patient care will be protected - now, urgently."
Responding, the Trefnydd (Business Manager) Jane Hutt MS said:
"Issues have been raised about the consultation and leading to the new dental contract, which, of course, is as a result of consultation with the British Dental Association. They have been very engaged in that. And also, just in terms of understanding the impacts on it, the changes have been well rehearsed, and, indeed, statements have been made by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
"You have brought this to the Senedd today, and I respect that, but it is something that is now working its way through and that has been understood by the dental profession. We do, of course, have to make sure that there is accessibility to our NHS dental services here in Wales. It is on the record that your concerns have been raised."
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Isherwood said:
"It is not right that people in Wales are being forced out of NHS Dental Services and that some are being left with no option but to travel outside of Wales, and even abroad, to access Dental treatment.
"The Welsh Government should address this crisis as a matter of urgency."
