Concern has been expressed this week that dental services are under threat in Narberth.

Former Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Rees, told us that she had found out that the NHS licence was to be withdrawn from Narberth dental practice at the health centre, on April 1.

“No one in the town seems to have been told about it,” she said. “It must be the best kept secret to date by the NHS.”

Clr. Mrs. Rees continued: “I do not understand how, when dentists are as scarce as they are, this decision has been taken, without any local consultation.

“This is a very busy practice serving a lot of people, who cannot afford to pay more for dental treatment, and this decision will only deprive a large number of vulnerable people from accessing dental care.

“The NHS is forever saying they need more dentists and, as it is, people have to wait months for an appointment.

“New surgeries have been opened in Whitland, Milford and elsewhere, but their patient lists are filled up straight away.

“We have two other dental practices in Narberth, both of which are private and one of which concentrates on more specialist treatments.”

Added Clr. Mrs. Rees: “I have been assured that the practice is not the instigator of this action, on the contrary, they want to stay with the NHS.

“I cannot understand why this decision has been made, or how it has been allowed to go forward without any consultation. Narberth practice serves a very large area and we need to stop this closure from happening. Time is of the essence.”

When the Observer contacted Hywel Dda University Health Board, a spokesperson said: “Following the death of a contractor, a temporary general dental services contract was established to provide continuity of care for patients in Narberth. The temporary contract will cease on March 31.

“The health board is currently undertaking a commissioning process for replacement general dental services in the South Pembrokeshire area, which is due to be completed shortly.

“Any patients seeking routine NHS Dental care should contact the health board’s dental service’s team on 01437 834440.”