Expansion of Dental Undergraduate Places and Allocation of Funding For Dentistry

The Dental Workforce Review Group Report which was published as part of  “Routes to Reform - A Dental Strategy for Wales“ recommended an increase in the training undergraduate numbers in dentistry.  Analysis of responses to the consultation showed widespread support for such a development.

A case for expanding the number of undergraduate dental students in Wales had been agreed in principle by the All Wales Workforce Development Steering Group. This is phased over 3 stages and during the first phase there would be an increase of 17% in the number of places. I am extremely pleased to say that this increase in undergraduate dental students will be effective for the September 2004 intake. This is an increase of 9 funded places raising the total to 64.

I announced in May proposals for a new contract paving the way for the reform of dental services in Wales. This included £5.3 million over the next 3 years to improve access to NHS dentistry and support implementation of the new contract and associated reforms. I am now able to announce how the first £1.5 million tranche of this additional resources will be allocated.

- £550,000 will be for dentists, which is equivalent to £1,000 per dental practice, to assist them manage the change and the new ways of working. This will be managed through the LHBs.
- £510,000 between the 6 LHBs where access to NHS primary care dentistry is most difficult – these are Ceredigion; Gwynedd; Merthyr Tydfil; Flintshire; Carmarthenshire; and Pembrokeshire; and
- £440,000 to LHBs to support them with the dental change agenda through for example, supporting their dental advisory committees or developing dental leadership skills.

I believe that this package of decisions makes clear the Government’s commitment to NHS dentistry and to a modern and responsive dental service across the whole of Wales.