Would you mind having a different dentist at every appointment if it meant being seen more quickly?
This is the question fuelling a debate around the proposed changes to the Welsh dental system, as reported by the BBC. If accepted, patients can be offered treatment at any practice within their health board area, rather than having a regular dentist.
Part of the proposal would assign all patients over the age of 18 to a central waiting list, known as the Dental Access Portal (DAP). From here, they can be allocated to any local practice.
Health Minister Jeremy Miles stated that “it will make NHS dentistry more attractive to dentists, and that is good for patients. When they do need to see a dentist, they will be able to access one, which is the critical thing.”
However, not having the same dentist each time may create unfamiliarity – many patients may enjoy visiting the team at the same dental practice. This is true for Judy Pegler, who has been with his dentist for over 30 years, stating, “I have been coming [to the same dentist] since I was a child. It’s nice to see the same person on a regular basis.”
The proposal also suggests that those with good oral health would be recommended to wait between 18 months and 2 years for a check-up. It will also see a rise in price for some dental payments and a drop for others, such as crowns. Robyn Weldon, 21, reported a more nuanced view, believing that, “it would be sad if I can’t go to [the dentist I have had since I was six]. But maybe this could be a good start to make things easier for [the NHS] and us.”
The plans are part of a public consultation that is open until 19 June. If accepted, and if proven successful, the system may be an indicator for how dentistry across the rest of the UK would work. But that’s a big if – for now, Welsh patients can weigh up whether they’d prefer the continual care of their regular dentist or the potential for faster treatments.
> Since you’re here, why not read about a new dental hygiene and therapy training centre in Lincolnshire?
Main image credit: Unsplash
