A NORTH WALES MS has called on the Health Minister to 'get a grip' on dentistry services in the region. Sam Rowlands MS has called for a long term plan to increase the number of dentists in north Wales. Mr Rowlands, Shadow Health Minister, was speaking in the Senedd this week in a debate on dentistry training.
He said: “We know that dentist provision is such an important part of the healthcare system and is a major part of the preventative agenda. Dentistry is such an important part of that in reducing much bigger, more expensive issues further down the line. “We know this is especially important for children, who can and should then be building healthy teeth-cleaning habits into adulthood and I'm particularly concerned about the issues that we're building up here in Wales for young people and adults down the line.
“Sadly, for the people I represent here in North Wales the provision simply isn't good enough, and we are left with what some describe as 'dental deserts' across the region. "This lack of consistency certainly exacerbates those problems down the line, increasing major issues in the future, and, ultimately, costing taxpayers more as well." Mr Rowlands added: “I think it's perfectly reasonable for people paying their taxes to expect to have access to an NHS dentist.
I don't think that's beyond what people should be expecting to receive as a basic part of their health needs. But, sadly, too many people are being let down with this most basic of expectations. �.
