THE MP for Delyn has raised concerns over NHS dentistry in Wales following the impending closure of a practice in his constituency.

BUPA recently wrote to Rob Roberts MP to inform him of the closure of their dental practice based in Flint.

That is expected to take place on Tuesday, May 31.

Following a number of concerns raised by local residents, Mr Roberts requested a meeting with BUPA to discuss the situation.

The MP said: “I have been contacted by many local residents who have shared their concerns with me about being left without access to an NHS dentist.

“I had a frank conversation with BUPA about the closure and the impact this will have on the community. I was shocked to find out that six of their 19 North Wales practices operate making a financial loss each year.

Read more: North Wales dentist issues highlighted to Health Minister

"The Flint practice has struggled to recruit dentists for a long time and because of this Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has reduced the NHS contract it had with them. This has meant the practice being financially unviable and sadly led to the closure.

“There are many complex factors affecting the dental industry right now. The inability to educate and train enough dentists in the UK, the reduction in overseas dentists practicing in the UK, a difficult regulatory environment, and patients who could afford to pay privately blocking NHS places.

“I will be raising these concerns with the Health Minister in Wales, and I have requested a meeting with the local health board to ask them what their plans are to fix this problem in the short term. I will also be meeting with General Dental Council and the British Dental Association to discuss solutions to some of these challenges.”

In response, Health Minister Eluned Morgan has said the Welsh Government is 'doing all it can'.

She added: “We're continuing to work with the British Dental Association to explore how the reform of the national dental contract can encourage dental practices to collaborate at a local level.

“I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear, in relation to Bupa in Flint, that the health board plans to recommission replacement services in the area as early as possible.”

Peter Greensmith, acting assistant director North Wales Dental Service at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, previously told the Leader: “We have received notice of termination of NHS Dental Services from Bupa Dental Care in Flint. 

"We remain committed to ensuring that dental services in Flint that are subject to the notice served by Bupa are not lost to the public.

"As such several options are being pursued at this point in time to ensure continuity of service. These are commercially sensitive and more details will be shared when firm plans are in place.”