Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire has shared what he calls ‘shocking’ findings from a dentistry survey launched recently - which invited constituents to share their experiences accessing NHS dental care.

The move follows mounting concern about the accessibility and availability of NHS dental services in the area, which are managed by Hywel Dda University Health Board.

MP Henry Tufnell has now published the results of a dentistry survey launched on April 24.

He recently met with the Dentistry Services team at Hywel Dda, continuing a series of discussions he has had with Chief Executive Professor Phillip Kloer. During the meeting, he shared the survey's findings and reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Constituents had already raised concerns about long waiting times, difficulties registering with an NHS dentist, and a lack of available appointments.

Key findings from the survey include:

● 88% of respondents do not currently have an NHS dentist.

● 60% had attempted to register but were told no places were available.

● Over one-third of people reported not seeing any dentist at all.

● NHS care is often limited to emergency-only services, with many patients receiving only temporary relief.

● Travel barriers, long delays, and high costs are significant deterrents - especially for children, the elderly, and low-income households.

Testimonials from constituents highlight a system under strain:

● One resident reported waiting 16 years for an NHS dentist.

● A parent paid £2,000 out of pocket for their 19-year-old son's dental care.

● Another individual developed jaw cancer, citing delays in treatment as a contributing factor.

Following a campaign to improve GP access locally, the MP is now stepping up efforts to tackle the growing crisis in dental services, stating: “The response to my dentistry survey points clearly in one direction: patients are frustrated with the service they’re receiving from Hywel Dda University Health Board. Our local dentists and dental nurses are working incredibly hard, but ultimately the Health Board manages the NHS dentistry contract.

“The current system is failing to meet the needs of my constituents in Pembrokeshire, and this data raises serious questions about its long-term sustainability. As their MP, it’s my duty to hold HDUHB to account and continue pushing for real improvements in the delivery of health services.

“Patients are suffering, and services are falling short. The voices of those who completed this survey strengthen the case for urgent change.”

Reacting to the personal stories shared, Mr Tufnell added:“The barriers preventing people from accessing treatment are causing, in some cases, devastating consequences - soaring dental bills, deteriorating health from delayed care, and families locked out of a system through no fault of their own.

“I will continue to work directly with Professor Phillip Kloer and the Dentistry Services team to secure concrete improvements for patients across my constituency.

“I am confident that there is a way forward to significantly improve delivery, and now over the coming weeks I will be working with local dentists and continuing to work constructively with Hywel Dda Health Board to tackle this serious issue.