Welsh Government Abandons Controversial Dental Plan
The Welsh Government has dropped its controversial dental plan that would have seen patients assigned a different dentist at each check-up, moving away from the traditional family practice model. This decision follows a consultation on reforms to the NHS dental contract in Wales, where continuity of care was highlighted as a key priority by both dental professionals and patients.
U-Turn and Political Reactions
The Welsh Conservatives have welcomed the Labour Government's U-turn, emphasizing the importance of families being able to see the same local dentist. James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, criticized the original proposal, calling it a "sticking plaster solution" with the potential to harm long-term patient outcomes. He stated that the ability to see a "local family dentist is essential" to families across Wales.
“Continuity of care, the ability to choose to see your local family dentist, is essential. It’s what dentists and families are calling for the length and breadth of Wales, so this Labour Government U-turn is welcome." - James Evans MS
Reformed Contract Details
According to the Welsh Government, the reformed contract, representing the first major change in 20 years, will focus on oral health needs rather than fixed six-month check-ups. Patients with healthy mouths will continue to see their chosen dentist for recall appointments, rather than being placed on a central waiting list. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles stated that these reforms demonstrate a commitment to making NHS dentistry "more accessible, fairer, and sustainable for both patients and professionals."
Implementation and Payment Structure
The new system is scheduled to begin in April 2026 and will also increase NHS payments to dentists from £135 to £150 per hour. Patient charges will be simplified, with individuals paying 50% of treatment package costs, capped at £384, a reduction from the initially proposed 55%. Notably, around half of the population, including children and individuals receiving specific benefits, will remain exempt from these charges.
Concerns and Future Implications
The original proposals, outlined in June, envisioned a centralised waiting list for adults, assigning check-up appointments anywhere within their health board area. While treatments were intended to occur in the same surgery, patients would then return to the register for their next check-up. However, the consultation revealed significant concerns regarding the lack of continuity of care. The refreshed policy, effective from April 2026, allows dentists to recall patients with healthy teeth every 18 to 24 months, aligning with NICE guidelines.
While practices will receive a fixed amount to support ongoing care for healthy patients instead of payments per visit, BDA Cymru has raised concerns about longer recall times potentially hindering the early detection of diseases, including oral cancers, and limiting opportunities for patient advice. Russell Gidney of the BDA's Welsh General Dental Practice Committee stressed the need for scrutiny of the "small print".
"If our MSs can't iron out the creases later, the Welsh government must ensure real threats to this service don't make the final cut of their plans." - Russell Gidney