The Welsh Liberal Democrats have hit out at the Welsh Labour Government after new figures revealed that more people are waiting for an NHS dentist in Wales than live in the city of Wrexham.

The data shows that 51,843 people are currently on NHS dental waiting lists across Wales, including 5,413 children. In Powys Health Board, 3,734 adults are waiting for an NHS dentist alongside 10 children, although with dental practices closing in towns like Prestiegne and Llandrindod Wells since the data was collected, the figure could now be significantly higher.

In Swansea Bay Health Board, which covers the Swansea Valley part of the Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe constituency, 5,900 adults are waiting alongside over 900 children.

Across Wales, the Lib Dems say the scale of the crisis is stark. Nearly 52,000 people are now unable to access an NHS dentist, a figure larger than the population of Wrexham, leaving thousands of families forced to go private, travel long distances, or go without treatment altogether.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats say the situation represents a damning failure to protect one of the most fundamental parts of healthcare.

The party has warned that the lack of access to NHS dentistry is not just an inconvenience but poses serious long-term health risks. Poor oral health can lead to gum disease and tooth loss, while children missing out on regular dental care can face lifelong consequences. Routine dental check-ups are also crucial for spotting early signs of mouth cancer, meaning long waits risk delaying diagnosis and treatment.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have proposed a series of reforms to fix NHS dentistry in Wales, including:

  • Raising dental funding to match higher levels seen in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
  • Introducing binding targets for the Welsh Government and Health Boards to reduce waiting lists.
  • Removing barriers that prevent dental therapists and dental nurses from initiating treatments and easing pressure on dentists.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said: “It’s an absolute disgrace that more people are waiting for an NHS dentist in Wales than live in a major city like Wrexham. This crisis has been created on Welsh Labour’s watch, and it’s ordinary families and children who are paying the price.

“Here in Powys, thousands of people are stuck waiting for basic dental care, with parents unable to find NHS places for their children and many residents being pushed into expensive private treatment or left in pain."

Adding her comments, Welsh Lib Dem Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales Jane Dodds said: “After 25 years in charge, Welsh Labour has no excuses. We urgently need a dental contract that works for dentists and patients, proper investment in community dental services, and a government that treats oral health as an essential part of healthcare, not an afterthought.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for an NHS dental system that works for everyone, no matter where they live.”