mydentist responds to Welshpool backlash

mydentist has responded to a wave of criticism after announcing two weeks ago that it would be ending NHS services at its Welshpool practice.

The news came as a shock to hundreds of local patients that access free or reduce-priced services, with even children expected to pay for check-ups from April 1.

It means that one adult with two children who visits once a year for check-ups will see his or her costs go up from £20 a year to a whopping £120 (£64 adult and £28 for each child). And that’s without any further treatment. Fillings will start from £179.

But mydentist has explained its position to MyWelshpool, saying that “we are doing everything we can to recruit new NHS dentists as soon as possible however, unfortunately, there remains an acute shortage of NHS dentists across Wales”.

A statement issued to us this morning reads: “Two clinicians at our practice in Welshpool have made the difficult decision to stop delivering NHS dentistry and we are doing everything we can to recruit replacements to resume NHS services as soon as possible.

“Patients have been given the option to continue seeing the clinicians privately, but we remain committed to providing NHS dentistry to the local area.”

Most dentists across the country are self‑employed and they have full autonomy to decide the balance of NHS and private treatments that they deliver.

mydentist said that they “fully appreciate that the prospect of a temporary pause in NHS provision will be concerning for patients and the wider community”.

The company said they are working closely with Powys Teaching Health Board, the Welsh Government and professional bodies to explore every option for “restoring sustainable NHS dental provision at the practice”.

Montgomeryshire Member of the Senedd, Russell George, said: “I have formally written to Powys Teaching Health Board to ask them for an explanation, as mydentist has a contract with them to deliver an NHS dentistry service, which seems to remain in place, despite the fact they seem to be confirming they will not be continuing to deliver that service.”