Residents of the Hay on Wye in Wales on the NHS dental waiting list will have access to a temporary community NHS dental service from September 2024 to December 2024.

Powys Teaching Health Board has provided the temporary unit at the recreation facilities on Brecon Road until December. The town has been chosen as the first stop for the mobile unit.

Warren Tolley, dental director for the health board, said, “The dental unit will be staffed by a dedicated team including a registered dental nurse, senior dental officer and driver/administrative officer.

“However, the five day a week service will not be the same as a regular NHS practice. So that we can see as many patients as possible, people will be invited to come to the start of a session (either a morning or afternoon), and they will then be seen as soon as possible.

“We appreciate that some patients may have to wait a little while, but this will mean that we can ensure that as many local people are seen during the day as possible.”

Patients on the existing waiting list in Powys will be invited to use the service for a single course of treatment. There will also be an urgent access provision for patients with dental pain or swelling by calling the 111 phone line.

The temporary unit will provide a wide range of core dental services, but where patients need additional treatment or support, they may need to be referred to other services including the dental department at Breconshire War Memorial Hospital.

Jayne Lawrence, assistant director of Primary Care for the health board, said, “I’d really like to thank Hay on Wye Town Council as they’ve kindly given us space at the recreation ground to park up the temporary unit as well as granted us access to the utilities that it needs. The team at the council has been helpful in enabling us to fill this gap in NHS dental provision in the town, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Jayne explained that the service is for anyone on the dental waiting list who lives in Powys or who lives outside Powys but is registered with Haygarth Medical Practice.

Fiona Howard, chair of the town council, said, “We are excited to be part of the development of a mobile dental facility that will not only provide accessible dental care but also improve access for vulnerable resident to essential health services.

“This facility will ensure that all residents, regardless of their financial situation, can receive quality oral healthcare close to home. The opening of this centre is a major step towards promoting overall wellbeing, fostering a healthier community, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to maintain their oral health.”

Warren added, “The health board is putting a lot of money into providing this service, but we also need Powys residents to do their bit to help us. You can help us by maintaining good oral health through regular brushing and cutting down on sugary food and drinks.”

He explained that patients who fail to attend, including those who cancel appointments at short notice, will be returned to the dental waiting list.

For more information visit https://pthb.nhs.wales/services/adult-and-older-peoples-community-services/community-dental-services/

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