Written question WQ83875

The National Health Service (General Dental Services Contracts) (Wales) Regulations 2006 and the National Health Service (Personal Dental Services Agreements) (Wales) Regulation 2006 provide for patients being excluded from treatment by a dental practice where there has been “an irrevocable breakdown” in their relationship. Notice of such a breakdown is required to be given to the patient by the practice. Dental practices are also required to make available information on the rights and responsibilities of the patient, including keeping appointments.

The Regulations do not define irrevocable breakdown or a time period to keep such details on a patient’s record. Typically Health Boards have local agreements with their general dental practitioners which define an irrevocable breakdown as when a patient repeatedly fails to attend appointments or cancels at the last minute, usually 2 consecutive appointments.

Welsh Government issued guidelines to dentists and Health Boards in 2013 regarding the refusal to treat patients following a patient’s failure to attend appointments. I have asked officials to work with Health Boards to review these guidelines to ensure there is consistency regarding missed appointments and the conditions relating to ‘off-listing’ by dental practices.