The Welsh Labour Government are implementing a major change to NHS Dentistry in Wales from April 2026. From this date, NHS patients will no longer be registered at a dental practice, instead, you will have to register using an online portal, which will allocate a dental appointment to you with a registered dentist in the area every 18 months to 2 years. Patients are unlikely to see the same dentist unless further treatment is needed. Once this is complete patients will go back into the randomly assigned system.
This lack of continuity is especially worrying for people with learning disabilities, neurodivergent conditions, BSL users, older adults, children and those with mobility challenges. It is also worrying dentists because they will no longer know who their patients are, and many are expressing interest in no longer being NHS dentists.
A British Dental Association survey found only 8% of dentists believe these reforms will improve access. While consultation responses are under review, past experience—like with Senedd expansion and 20mph limits—gives little confidence that public opinion will be heeded.
NHS dentistry in Wales has been unable to cope for years, my inbox is full of emails from constituents unable to get appointments or register with a practice, and we have all heard of the stories of people forced to pull their own teeth due to inability to access a dentist! The current system is at breaking point, and the fear is that the new system will overwhelm NHS Dentistry in Wales.
Despite these clear issues, the Welsh Labour Government are pushing ahead with these reforms. What is really needed is improvement in funding and better implementation of payment to dental practices so that they can afford to increase capacity and attract more people into the profession.
As a Senedd Member for South Wales Central, I’ll continue to raise concerns and oppose poorly thought-out Welsh Labour policies that ignore the voices of patients and professionals alike. I believe that NHS Dentistry in Wales can be improved if the patient voice is listened to and adequate funding is made available.
ENDS
