Written question WQ82784
- Asked by
- Darren MillarConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 10 days
Question
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to extending free dental services to new mothers who were unable to access dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
We have considered whether we should extend free dental services to new mothers however we decided this was not necessary as dental practices in Wales remained open for urgent cases throughout the pandemic for those with a treatment need. This is the same position across the UK.
Services are now recovering and the vast majority of dental practices are providing a full range of care and treatment for patients including aerosol generating procedures such as fillings.
We have not stopped routine dental examinations but there is a clear requirement to see patients according to need. Practices have been asked to treat people who have experienced problems during lockdown first and to prioritise care for those who had treatment delayed as a result of the pandemic.
If anyone has any concerns about access to dental services I suggest they contact their Health Board for further advice.