Builth Wells practice to close due to dentist shortage
A dental practice in Builth Wells will close at the end of this month due to a shortage of dentists, it has been revealed.
The town’s mydentist practice, which is located at Glan Irfon Health and Social Care Centre in Love Lane, is the latest in a series of mydentist clinics to close amid widespread recruitment issues. The practice will close on August 31st, meaning there will be just one clinic in the town.
Assembly member for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, described the news as a “real blow to the community.” Following the announcement, Ms Williams has met with the dental director at the Powys Teaching Health Board to discuss options to improve access to dental care in the town after the closure of the mydentist surgery. One option that may be viable is recruiting a salaried dentist to work in the area.
Patients in Mid-Wales already find it difficult to get a dental appointment, and the closure of the Builth Wells clinic will increase pressure on existing services and also contribute to longer waiting times. Mydentist has blamed the closure on increasing running costs and a shortage of dentists, which has forced the chain to shut several clinics and cancel patient appointments all over the country.
Local MP, Chris Davies, said that immediate action must be taken to prevent the situation from getting worse and enable patients to keep up with routine appointments.
A spokesperson for mydentist said that the decision had not been taken lightly and assured patients that everything will be done to “minimise disruption.”
Join this Discussion