Ebbw Vale residents fear for the future as dental practice goes partially private
Residents in Ebbw Vale have expressed concerns over the future after a local dental practice wrote to patients to inform them it was going partially private.
The town centre practice recently contacted patients to inform them of plans to alter part of the service. Increasing the amount of private work is expected to affect around 1,000 people, which equates to approximately 10% of patients. The changes will come into force on March 31st 2022.
A spokesperson for the practice explained that there was no option but to increase private work due to staffing issues. One of the dentists has retired and the practice has not been able to find a dentist willing to provide NHS care. The shortages mean that it is no longer possible to provide the same level of NHS service.
Patients who may be affected by the change in service provision have spoken about their fears for the future, with dental appointments harder to come by than ever.
Kathryn Cross, 44, from Cwm, has been a patient at the practice since she was a baby and said that she was shocked and upset to receive the letter.
She fears that many people in the town will be left without a dentist because they may not be able to pay for private care. The area is already underserved and now 1,000 additional patients will be trying to access treatment.
The practice has revealed plans to introduce a monthly payment scheme to make private dentistry more accessible and affordable. Prices will start at around £20 per month.
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