TENBY and Saundersfoot have been left in desperate need of filling by an NHS dentist.
Following the death of one of the NHS dentists based in Narberth, Hywel Dda Health Board opened up the contract for tender.
Simon Hart MP is disappointed that people from Tenby and Saundersfoot – a total population of about 7,000 – will have to continue to travel for treatment.
“Huw Jones was providing 15,000 units of dental care a year in Narberth until his death – and a further 10,000 was provided in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. With this news all 25,000 units have moved to the far west of the county, leaving Tenby and Saundersfoot without NHS dental provision once again.
“I am sure the Pembroke practice will do a very good job but it is disappointing that so much provision is being limited to this corner of the county.”
Mr. Fawaz Abbas of Tenby Dental Haven was one of those who bid to provide the work in Tenby.
He said: “I am extremely disappointed by this decision, there is a desperate need for NHS dental care in Tenby and we are in a very strong position to offer it.”
Mr. Hart added: “This tender was the perfect opportunity to fill the gap in the Tenby and Saundersfoot area. There is a great need for an NHS dentist in the area, a lot of elderly people live there who find it difficult to use public transport to get to Pembroke.
“I am sure that good offers were made to provide the care in the Tenby area and I have written to the Health Board urging them to think again.”