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Dozens of dentists have quit NHS contracts in Wales over the past year, prompting questions in the Senedd about whether new reforms to the system are already driving practices away.

On Tuesday March 17, Caerphilly Senedd Member Lindsay Whittle questioned the First Minister, warning that patients were increasingly being forced to go private to keep their regular dentists.

The Plaid Cymru MS said that 35 dentists across Wales had ended NHS contracts in the past 12 months, including ten within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area, which covers Caerphilly.

He said: “This is before the new dental contract even comes into force next month.

“The single biggest issue raised with me by constituents is dentistry, with many being told they must go private to retain their regular dentists. For most people this is a big extra cost as they will struggle to afford, if they can afford it at all.

 “I can understand the genuine good intentions behind the new contract. But are you concerned that this new contract may be unworkable before it has even arrived?”

First Minister Eluned Morgan replied: “What I can tell you is that, at a time when the cost of living is really impacting on people, it will work out cheaper for patients and it will be fairer for dentists.

“Now, I recognise that, sometimes, there is a gap between people leaving and then the recommissioning. Because the money stays in the NHS – let’s be absolutely clear about that. I think it’s only about 6% of dental contracts that have been handed back. So, I’m advised that, of the 25 contracts operating across Caerphilly borough, two have handed their contracts back. And the amount of money that’s going in there is £10 million.

“Re-procurement takes time. I think it is important that we make sure that that is re-procured. It will happen; there will be a service available for those people in your constituency.”

Crown Cottage Dental Care in Bedwas is set to withdraw NHS dental treatment, affecting around 5,000 patients.

From April, the practice will go private, joining a number of surgeries opting not to offer NHS-funded dental care following changes to the Welsh Government’s NHS dental contract.

The move follows Forest Dental in Blackwood, which also withdrew from NHS dentistry in December last year.

The Welsh Government announced the reforms in NHS dentistry last year – described as the biggest shake-up in 20 years – to much controversy.

After a public backlash, the Welsh Government backtracked on plans to allocate a dentist for each check-up and patients will now remain with their existing family practice – if it remains with the NHS.

The British Dental Association Cymru warned the new overall package amounted to “superficial repairs” and said payment levels still fell short of the true cost of care – leaving some practices at risk of losses or of leaving the NHS altogether.

People can access the NHS Wales Dental Portal to check where they can access NHS care.