A significant backlog in NHS orthodontic treatment has emerged in Gwent, with waiting times extending to three to four years amid rising demand.
Recent data from the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board reveals that as of September, there were 3,500 referrals for orthodontic treatment aimed at correcting teeth alignment and appearance. This figure follows a total of 4,900 referrals in the previous year.
Lloyd Hambridge, the health board’s primary care director, noted that the number of referrals has surged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lockdowns limited dental services. “The increase is significant,” Mr. Hambridge stated, highlighting that in 2019, there were only 2,200 referrals.
During a briefing with Monmouthshire councillors regarding dental services, Mr. Hambridge pointed out that there is currently just one orthodontist available for NHS referrals in Monmouthshire, located in Chepstow. Councillor Ian Chandler, who oversees social care and health issues for the council, expressed concern about the long waiting times. “I’m really worried about a three to four year waiting time for orthodontics; a child’s mouth can change so much in that time,” he said.
While Mr. Hambridge could not specify how many adults versus children are on the waiting list, he reassured that children typically do not face such lengthy delays. “The three to four years is for total orthodontic waits. I haven’t got the split but children are significantly lower than that,” he explained.
Councillors also raised questions about new NHS dental contracts implemented across Monmouthshire. These contracts no longer compensate practices for routine six-month check-ups, which may lead to undetected dental issues and fewer referrals for advanced treatments. However, Mr. Hambridge emphasized that these new contracts are designed to identify and assess oral health problems effectively. He noted that a patient’s position on the waiting list could change based on their assessed priority.
Additionally, a new central registration system will be rolled out across Gwent starting November 20. This system aims to help the health board better understand demand for dental services by collecting basic information about patients’ oral health needs. Currently, patients must register with individual practices without a centralized system akin to that used by GP surgeries.
This initiative follows a pilot program conducted in Powys and is expected to streamline patient management and improve access to care as demand continues to rise.
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