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Dr. Harj Singhrao, a dentist at Newbridge Dental Care, emphasizes the importance of knowing and caring for his patients as a crucial aspect of his role. This personal touch may be at risk as proposed changes to the dental system could result in patients being shuffled between practices. Under the new system, individuals may receive treatment at any practice within their health board area, with healthy patients potentially only needing check-ups every 18 to 24 months. While the Welsh government claims these changes would enhance access to dental services, the British Dental Association (BDA) expresses concerns that these alterations might drive more patients towards private care.
The most significant alteration would involve placing all patients over 18 on a central waiting list known as the Dental Access Portal (DAP). From there, patients would be assigned to a specific surgery that could be located anywhere within the health board area. Once treatment is initiated, patients would remain at that surgery until the course is completed, with the possibility of continued monitoring if necessary. Patients with healthy teeth would be reassigned to the central portal and scheduled for a check-up every 18 to 24 months depending on availability. Children, on the other hand, would be assessed under the new plan but would remain at the initial surgery they were assigned.
The proposed changes also entail modifications to patient charges, such as an increase in the price of check-ups from £20 to £24.75, while the cost of a single crown would go down from £260 to £239.15. Health Minister Jeremy Miles believes these plans will benefit everyone by making NHS dentistry more appealing to professionals, therefore enhancing patient access to dental care. However, concerns regarding the potential breakdown of ongoing care and unequal access have been raised by Dr. Singhrao, who worries about the impact on families and individuals who have diligently maintained their oral health.
The proposed alterations are currently under public consultation until June 19. Some individuals, such as Jody Pegler, express concerns about potential accessibility issues if forced to seek treatment at different dental surgeries. While some respondents believe the new system could streamline access and remind individuals of the importance of regular dental check-ups, others, like Dr. Lauren Harrhy from the BDA, fear that extended waiting times and a decline in the continuity of care may drive dentists away from NHS dentistry. Despite these concerns, Health Minister Miles stands by the changes, noting that the new contract is the result of extensive negotiations and is confident it represents a positive step for patients, dentists, the NHS, and the government
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