Siân Gwenllian MS has highlighted the need for a Dental School in Bangor at a meeting of the North Wales Cross Party Group.
The Member of the Senedd (MS) for Arfon, took the opportunity today to discuss the critical need for a Dental School in Bangor with the North Wales Cross Party Group. This group, which includes representatives from all political parties, offers a platform for Members of the Senedd (MS), MPs, Council Leaders from North Wales, as well as officials and guests, to engage in important discussions on regional and national issues.
Siân Gwenllian received a warm welcome at the meeting, and she expressed her gratitude for the support shown for the idea of establishing a Dental School at Bangor University. She emphasized the importance of this initiative for addressing the growing dental crisis and the lack of access to NHS dental services, particularly in her constituency of Arfon.
In September 2024, Siân Gwenllian launched a report entitled “Filling the Gaps: The Case for Training Dentists in Bangor,” which makes a compelling argument for establishing a dental school as part of Bangor University. The report, commissioned by the MS from Lafan Consulting, aims to address the dental service shortages that have left many in north Wales unable to access necessary treatment.
“I am inundated with cases of constituents failing to access NHS dental services,” said Siân Gwenllian.
“The lack of provision is causing unnecessary suffering, and this problem is particularly acute in the Arfon constituency. It is clear that a Dental School in Bangor could help address these issues by training the next generation of dentists, with many likely to remain in the local area and serve our communities.”
Siân Gwenllian, who successfully campaigned for a Medical School for Bangor, sees the creation of a Dental School as a vital step in turning Bangor into a national centre of excellence for medical education. She aims to use the findings from the report to push the Welsh Government to take action and support the establishment of the dental school at Bangor University.
“While the dental crisis is widespread across Wales, it is particularly severe in the north of Wales, where access to NHS dental services is even more limited.
“My vision is to create a dental school here in Bangor, which would not only address the immediate shortage of dentists but also strengthen Bangor’s growing role as a hub for health education and training. This would benefit not only the local community but also the wider economy, by creating high-quality jobs and opportunities,” Siân Gwenllian added.
Siân Gwenllian’s campaign continues to highlight the need for solutions to the challenges facing dental care in North Wales, and today’s discussion at the North Wales Cross Party Group is a further step towards realizing the vision of a Dental School in Bangor.
