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An important update for your ongoing dental care

January 9, 20262 min read

Our priority is your oral health and wellbeing, and we are changing the way we care for you to combat the worsening care under the NHS dental framework.

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An important update for your ongoing dental care

Your oral health and wellbeing has always been, and remains, our priority. Increasingly, we have found it difficult to deliver your oral care safely and sustainably, leading to;

  • Large gaps until your next appointment
  • Cancelled appointments
  • Less time with your dentist

Like many practices across Wales, these issues stem from the unsustainable and constantly changing NHS dental framework. This is not the quality of care we believe our patients deserve. For this reason, we have written directly to patients to explain that the practice is preparing to move to a membership-based model this year. This change has not yet taken place, but it will be happening, so we are...

  • Communicating early so patients have time to understand their options and make informed decisions.
  • Offering a membership plan designed to guarantee registration with a dentist, provide longer appointments, reduce waiting times, give access to a wider range of treatments and materials, and includes 24/7 worldwide emergency dental cover.
  • Providing 0% finance options alongside this standard of care, for the most accessible and affordable dental care we can provide.

We appreciate that some patients may feel this outcome was inevitable. Unfortunately, this reflects wider pressures across NHS dentistry rather than a lack of commitment to our community. Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions. If your questions are still not answered, please contact your practice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why is the practice leaving the NHS?

Like many practices across Wales, we face increasing restrictions under the current NHS contract. With further changes scheduled for April 2026, continuing under the NHS will become unsustainable.


The current system limits the time, flexibility, and range of treatments we can offer. Moving away from these constraints means we can provide:

  • Guaranteed registration with the practice
  • Your own dedicated clinician
  • Shorter waiting times and improved access (including emergency care)
  • A wider choice of treatments
  • More personalised care planning
2. What changes are happening to the NHS in April 2026?

The new NHS contract will reduce routine check-ups from every six months to every 18–24 months. It will also introduce an emergency-care-based system, meaning you may no longer be able to access your current dental practice.


This lack of continuity could make it harder for dentists to detect early signs of oral health issues, such as oral cancer, and advise on the best course of action before problems become serious.

3. What does this mean for me?

At the time of sending this letter, we will no longer be booking NHS appointments, except for emergencies.

To guarantee your place at the practice and ensure continuity of care, we recommend joining our Membership Plan. Membership is the most cost-effective way to maintain regular care and secure your dedicated clinician. We will also offer private pay-as-you-go options.

Please note that membership places are open to everyone, whether they are already a patient at the practice or not, and recommend that you sign up as soon as possible.

You can register here:

Ammanford Membership Registration

Carmarthen Membership Registration

Swansea Membership Registration

4. Does this affect all patients?

Yes. However, we are hoping to be able to maintain an NHS service for children. We are waiting to have discussions with Local Health Board.

5. What happens if I’m mid-treatment when the change occurs?

If you are partway through NHS treatment when the transition happens, our team will contact you to discuss your individual plan and the best options for your oral health.

6. Can I remain a patient at the practice?

Absolutely. We would love to continue caring for you.

The most cost-effective and only guaranteed way to stay registered is through our Membership Plan. We also offer pay-as-you-go and finance options.

7. I still seek NHS care. What should I do?
Ammanford & Camarthen

If you wish to source NHS care at another practice, you can get further advice on how to join the waiting list from Hywel Dda Health Board by calling 0300 303 8322 (choose option 3) or on the NHS 111 Wales website (www.111.wales.nhs.uk) or by calling 111.

Swansea

If you wish to source NHS care at another practice, you can get further advice on how to join the waiting list from Swansea Bay Health Board by calling 01639 683 223 (choose option 3) or on the NHS 111 Wales website (www.111.wales.nhs.uk) or by calling 111.

8. What are my options?

Membership Plan: £21.00 per month, guaranteed registration, priority appointments and your own dedicated clinician.

  • 2 exams per year
  • 2 hygiene appointments per year
  • Routine X-rays
  • 10% discount on private treatments
  • Global Emergency Dental Scheme cover

Pay-as-you-go: Pay for treatment as needed

Finance Plans: For larger treatments, we offer interest-free finance over 12 months. Longer terms are available from 9.9% APR. Visit our Finance page for details.

9. I’d love to stay with my dentist but I’m worried about cost.

We understand private dentistry can feel daunting. Regular attendance reduces the risk of needing additional treatment, which is why we recommend our Membership Plan.

It spreads the cost of exams and hygiene visits, guarantees continuity of care, and includes a 10% discount on treatments. Membership also provides access to the Global Dental Scheme for emergency care at home or abroad.

10. What if I want to leave?

You can choose to register with another NHS practice. NHS Wales provides an up-to-date list of practices offering NHS services. Our team will help guide you through your options, but please note availability may vary locally.

11. What happens to my dental records if I leave?

Your records will remain securely stored with us. If you join another practice, we can transfer your records once we receive written consent.

12. Will any NHS services still be available?

No. We will not provide adult NHS dental services; however, we hope to provide child NHS treatment upon confirmation from the Health Board. For urgent NHS care, you can use the NHS 111 service or visit another NHS practice.

13. Will my children still be covered by the NHS?

We will continue to offer NHS care for children at our Ammanford, Carmarthen and Swansea practices, ensuring uninterrupted care and healthy oral habits. This will be available alongside our child membership plan which secures guaranteed registration and priority appointments with 2 dental check-ups a year rather than every 18–24 months available under the new NHS contract.

14. If I join your plan but later can’t afford it, can I cancel?

Yes, you can cancel at any time. While we cannot provide NHS care at our practice, you may register with another NHS practice (subject to availability) or continue as a pay-as-you-go patient with us.

15. Will this affect my upcoming appointments?

Some upcoming appointments may be affected as we prepare for changes to the way we provide dental care. Where this applies, our team will contact you directly to explain what this means for your treatment and to discuss the best options for your ongoing care.

16. Who can I speak to if I have questions?

We understand this is a big change, and we’re here to help. Please contact your local practice team:

  • Ammanford – 01269 597577
  • Carmarthen – 01267 236623
  • Swansea – 01834 84468
1. Why is the practice leaving the NHS?

Like many practices across Wales, we face increasing restrictions under the current NHS contract. With further changes scheduled for April 2026, continuing under the NHS will become unsustainable.


The current system limits the time, flexibility, and range of treatments we can offer. Moving away from these constraints means we can provide:

  • Guaranteed registration with the practice
  • Your own dedicated clinician
  • Shorter waiting times and improved access (including emergency care)
  • A wider choice of treatments
  • More personalised care planning
2. What changes are happening to the NHS in April 2026?

The new NHS contract will reduce routine check-ups from every six months to every 18–24 months. It will also introduce an emergency-care-based system, meaning you may no longer be able to access your current dental practice.


This lack of continuity could make it harder for dentists to detect early signs of oral health issues, such as oral cancer, and advise on the best course of action before problems become serious.

3. What does this mean for me?

At the time of sending this letter, we will no longer be booking NHS appointments, except for emergencies.

To guarantee your place at the practice and ensure continuity of care, we recommend joining our Membership Plan. Membership is the most cost-effective way to maintain regular care and secure your dedicated clinician. We will also offer private pay-as-you-go options.

Please note that membership places are open to everyone, whether they are already a patient at the practice or not, and recommend that you sign up as soon as possible.

You can register here:

Ammanford Membership Registration

Carmarthen Membership Registration

Swansea Membership Registration

4. Does this affect all patients?

Yes. However, we are hoping to be able to maintain an NHS service for children. We are waiting to have discussions with Local Health Board.

5. What happens if I’m mid-treatment when the change occurs?

If you are partway through NHS treatment when the transition happens, our team will contact you to discuss your individual plan and the best options for your oral health.

6. Can I remain a patient at the practice?

Absolutely. We would love to continue caring for you.

The most cost-effective and only guaranteed way to stay registered is through our Membership Plan. We also offer pay-as-you-go and finance options.

7. I still seek NHS care. What should I do?
Ammanford & Camarthen

If you wish to source NHS care at another practice, you can get further advice on how to join the waiting list from Hywel Dda Health Board by calling 0300 303 8322 (choose option 3) or on the NHS 111 Wales website (www.111.wales.nhs.uk) or by calling 111.

Swansea

If you wish to source NHS care at another practice, you can get further advice on how to join the waiting list from Swansea Bay Health Board by calling 01639 683 223 (choose option 3) or on the NHS 111 Wales website (www.111.wales.nhs.uk) or by calling 111.

8. What are my options?

Membership Plan: £21.00 per month, guaranteed registration, priority appointments and your own dedicated clinician.

  • 2 exams per year
  • 2 hygiene appointments per year
  • Routine X-rays
  • 10% discount on private treatments
  • Global Emergency Dental Scheme cover

Pay-as-you-go: Pay for treatment as needed

Finance Plans: For larger treatments, we offer interest-free finance over 12 months. Longer terms are available from 9.9% APR. Visit our Finance page for details.

9. I’d love to stay with my dentist but I’m worried about cost.

We understand private dentistry can feel daunting. Regular attendance reduces the risk of needing additional treatment, which is why we recommend our Membership Plan.

It spreads the cost of exams and hygiene visits, guarantees continuity of care, and includes a 10% discount on treatments. Membership also provides access to the Global Dental Scheme for emergency care at home or abroad.

10. What if I want to leave?

You can choose to register with another NHS practice. NHS Wales provides an up-to-date list of practices offering NHS services. Our team will help guide you through your options, but please note availability may vary locally.

11. What happens to my dental records if I leave?

Your records will remain securely stored with us. If you join another practice, we can transfer your records once we receive written consent.

12. Will any NHS services still be available?

No. We will not provide adult NHS dental services; however, we hope to provide child NHS treatment upon confirmation from the Health Board. For urgent NHS care, you can use the NHS 111 service or visit another NHS practice.

13. Will my children still be covered by the NHS?

We will continue to offer NHS care for children at our Ammanford, Carmarthen and Swansea practices, ensuring uninterrupted care and healthy oral habits. This will be available alongside our child membership plan which secures guaranteed registration and priority appointments with 2 dental check-ups a year rather than every 18–24 months available under the new NHS contract.

14. If I join your plan but later can’t afford it, can I cancel?

Yes, you can cancel at any time. While we cannot provide NHS care at our practice, you may register with another NHS practice (subject to availability) or continue as a pay-as-you-go patient with us.

15. Will this affect my upcoming appointments?

Some upcoming appointments may be affected as we prepare for changes to the way we provide dental care. Where this applies, our team will contact you directly to explain what this means for your treatment and to discuss the best options for your ongoing care.

16. Who can I speak to if I have questions?

We understand this is a big change, and we’re here to help. Please contact your local practice team:

  • Ammanford – 01269 597577
  • Carmarthen – 01267 236623
  • Swansea – 01834 84468
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