Dental crisis: Monmouth patient tells own story

12.00.00am GMT Tue 24th Jan 2006

Local area Assembly Member, Michael German says that he has real concerns regarding effect dentists moving out of NHS provision is having on individuals after having being contacted by constituents in the Monmouth area following last week's story in the Monmouth Free Press.

Last week the Free Press reported the shocking figures showing that less than half of Monmouthshire residents are registered with a NHS dentist - highlighting the growing demise of free dental care in our region.

According to research commissioned by local Liberal Democrats, only 42 percent of adults in the county have access to NHS dentistry.

Mrs Frances David met Michael German and Conny Millard to explained the effect of losing NHS cover.

She said, "I received a letter from my surgery explaining that the new dental contract would be of no benefit to dentistry, either for patients or dentists. If my dentist wants to continue the standard of care that I am used to, then my surgery must look to practice outside the new NHS dental contract."

Mrs. David explained that when she arrived to register again, as advised to do so in the letter, there was a queue in the street.

"There are many people of my age who are very comfortable with their dentist; they know one's previous treatment and dental history. The last thing you want to do is to run around town trying to get registered somewhere else. I am angry with the system. It appears my dental surgery found themselves in an impossible position."

Mr. German, who is leading a campaign in the National Assembly for the whole issue of the new dental contracts to be looked at again, said: "Mrs. David's story is one that is being repeated increasingly often in our area. People feel they are being forced to play privately for a service they are already paying for with their taxes, or that they must join a dental insurance plan requiring additional monthly payments."

Conny Millard added, "For a typical couple a scheme like this can cost £30 a year. The more dental problems you have had previously, the higher your premiums will be. I know of someone in Monmouth who was examined for a dental insurance plan and because they had oral health problems previously their premiums ending up being £25 per month - £300 a year."

Monmouthshire Liberal Democrats are about to launch a campaign to support NHS Dental Care in the region, addressing the current NHS Dental provision problems and the effect of the new NHS Dental Contracts.