NORTH WALES residents "deserve better" when it comes to dental services according to one MS backing calls for a new dental school in the region. 

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing a call for a dental school in North Wales.

Mr Rowlands, Shadow Health Minister was speaking in the Senedd during a discussion on dentistry in North Wales.

He joined fellow North Wales MS, Llyr Gruffydd, in identifying the need for a dental school in North Wales, because of the difficulties around recruitment are particularly acute in North Wales.

Senedd members recently backed calls to establish a north Wales dental school but the Welsh Government rebuffed the proposal due pressures on the public purse.

Mr Rowlands said: “In addition to the opportunities around the dental school, it's been welcome to hear the Labour Government in Westminster calling for more collaboration with health services between England and Wales, and particularly that will impact constituents that I represent across Flintshire and Wrexham.

“I'm interested in understanding your thoughts on how that collaboration could work for those residents, and particularly around dental services, and whether you think there are particular opportunities for residents in North Wales, considering the transport links that take place throughout the region.”

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Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for North Wales said any collaboration that can take place that would lead to better outcomes for patients, regardless of where they seek their provision, should be welcomed.

Mr Rowlands added: “I am heartened to hear the response from the Minister, however, it does seem at little at odds with what we are hearing regarding cross party collaboration for health services from the Health Minister.

“This is not the time to play party politics as people I represent in North Wales deserve so much better whether it be for dental services or dealing with long waiting lists for consultant’s appointments and treatment.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are working to recruit and retain more dentists in Wales. This includes a new scheme, run by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), which offers extra support for trainees in areas of Wales where it has been difficult to recruit new dentists.

“We continue to work with the sector to explore how the reform of the national dental contract can encourage dental practices to collaborate and best respond to the needs of their communities.”