Delyn MP voices concerns over dental services as Flint practice stops NHS care
The MP for Delyn has voiced concerns over the future of dental services following confirmation that a practice in Flint is stopping NHS care.
Rob Roberts said that he is worried for his constituents, many of whom have contacted him in recent weeks because they cannot find a dental practice that is offering NHS places. Mr Roberts was informed by Bupa Dental that the practice in Flint would close at the end of May and asked for a meeting with the provider to talk about the situation.
Many local people have been in touch with Mr Roberts because they are worried that they will not be able to find a dentist once Bupa closes its Flint practice. Mr Roberts said that he had a “frank conversation” with Bupa about the impending closure and the effect on local patients during which he found out that six of the company’s 19 clinics in North Wales are operating at a loss. In Flint, Bupa has struggled to recruit new dentists and fill vacancies and the contract terms with Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board have changed, which mean that NHS provision is no longer viable.
Mr Roberts stated that he would be talking to the health minister in Wales to discuss the concerns about NHS dental services and he has also requested a meeting with the local health board to talk about proposed plans to fill gaps and help people to access NHS dental care. Mr Roberts also plans to meet with representatives from the General Dental Council and the British Dental Association in Wales.
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