The increase in the number of people on waiting lists have raised eyebrows
Pressures on the Welsh Government to tackle dental care problems have increased following a rise in people trying to fix it themselves.
A survey found that 1 in 5 Brits have turned to ‘DIY dentistry’ . This is where people carry out dental work on themselves or asking somebody else who is not a dentist.
This comes after the Welsh Government stated that an investment of £2million would create more than one hundred thousand new dental appointments.
However, dentists feel that they’re being ignored by the government.
In an open letter to the Welsh Government’s Chief Dental Officer Andrew Dickenson, the British Dental Association said that dentists are turning to private practices due to lack of help. They also claim there’s a major decline in dentists’ mental health.
“Left languishing on the waiting list”
Opposition doesn’t end here, with members of the public voicing their concerns and worries on social media.
Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, says that dental care in Wales only favours those who can afford it.
“What we discovered since is there really is a two-tier system here in Wales where, if you have the money, you can pay and go private. If you can’t you are left languishing on a waiting list.” Ms Dodds said.
Russell George MS, Shadow Health Minister for the Welsh Conservatives, says that Wales needs to look at their approach, especially with financial pressures from the cost-of-living crisis.
“We’re calling on the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay to match devolved levels of spending on NHS dentistry before more people are forced to go private or rip out their own teeth in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.” Mr Russell said when asked about the party’s thoughts.
The Welsh Government have been approached for a comment but are yet to reply.
For more stories across South East Wales, read more from CJS News.