Following this week’s announcement that Ruthin Dental Practice will cease providing NHS treatment to adult patients later this year, Clwyd West MS has called on the practice to reconsider its decision and for the Welsh Health Minister to step in to safeguard NHS services for those affected.

Patients have been sent a letter from the business, which is located on Market Street, informing them that from June 30, they will no longer be seeing patients under the NHS. 

The practice will move to a private scheme and have introduced a patient membership plan.

Darren, who only last week challenged the First Minister over the action his government is taking to improve access to NHS dentistry in Conwy and Denbighshire, has been contacted by constituents regarding the proposed changes at the Ruthin Dental Practice.  

Commenting on the situation, he said:

“I am extremely concerned to learn of the withdrawal of NHS dentistry for thousands of constituents served by Ruthin Dental Practice.

“The Welsh Government was warned that unless it acted to address concerns raised by the dentistry profession about its new dental contract many dentists in Wales would withdraw from the provision of NHS services, but it has refused to listen.

“Accessing an NHS dentist in North Wales these days is near on impossible. As I told the First Minister last week, people should not be having to travel to Scotland to receive dental treatment, as is currently happening.   

“I urge Ruthin Dental Practice to reconsider its decision and the Welsh Health Minister to step in to safeguard NHS services for those affected.”

Darren has launched a petition to call on the Welsh Government and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to ensure that patients continue to have access to NHS dental services in Ruthin. To sign, click here: https://www.darrenmillar.wales/save-our-dental-services-ruthin