In a stark illustration of the NHS dental crisis in North Wales, residents have reportedly resorted to pulling out their own teeth as they struggle to access basic dental care. This alarming situation was highlighted during a debate in the Senedd, where Arfon MS Siân Gwenllian called for urgent action, including the establishment of a dental school in Bangor.
During the debate, Gwenllian described NHS dental care in North Wales as being in a “state of emergency,” with only 36% of Arfon’s population able to access NHS dental services—the lowest in Wales. Her motion, supported by 29 votes, advocated for the implementation of recommendations from the Filling the Gaps report, which detailed the region’s dental deficiencies and the pressing need for a new dental school.
A Growing Divide in Dental Care
Gwenllian outlined the emergence of three tiers of dental care: those who can access NHS services, those forced to go private, and those who can neither afford private care nor access NHS treatment. The plight of the last group was described as “frightening,” with cases of patients attempting DIY dental procedures and even developing sepsis.
“The numbers are more than statistics—they represent real suffering,” Gwenllian said. She emphasized that a dental school could help train and retain dentists, create jobs, and establish Bangor as a health hub, complementing its recently established medical school.
Cross-Party Agreement Amid Crisis
Support for the motion came from multiple parties, with MSs citing the dire impact on children and low-income families. Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth described the situation as a “crisis,” highlighting harrowing accounts of residents extracting their own teeth. Conservative MS Darren Millar noted that constituents were traveling abroad to countries like Turkey and Albania for treatment.
Carolyn Thomas, Labour MS for North Wales, underscored the inconsistency in dental service costs, while Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Griffiths warned that NHS dentistry in North Wales was on the brink of extinction.
Government Response
Jeremy Miles, the cabinet secretary for health and social care, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the Welsh Government’s efforts, including a £5 million investment in dental care this year and the establishment of new facilities. However, he pushed back against claims that emergency departments were overburdened due to dental care shortages, stating data did not support such assertions.
Miles urged local universities and health boards to prepare a robust proposal for a dental school, which could be considered if funding becomes available in the future.
Next Steps
Following the debate, Siân Gwenllian welcomed the Senedd’s cross-party support but emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the Welsh Labour Government. She called for decisive action to address the crisis, which has left thousands in pain and despair.
“This is an important step forward, but we need the government to act decisively to bring lasting change,” Gwenllian said.
The debate has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for strategic investment in dental services to prevent further suffering in North Wales.
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