ANOTHER dental care provider has expressed an interest in taking on two dental practices which are due to close next month.

Last year, the Pioneer reported that at least 12,000 NHS dental patients had been affected by the decision to close Bupa dental practices on Prince's Drive, Colwyn Bay, and on Cibyn Industrial Estate, Caernarfon, in February 2021.

The two sites are due to close in February but hope is on the horizon as it has been revealed 'positive talks' have commenced with a new provider.

Sharon Drury, regional operations director at Bupa Dental Care said: “We remain in conversations with the Welsh chief dental officer, health board and local members of Senedd Cymru. Though it is early days we can confirm that another dental care provider has expressed an interest in taking on the premises, staff and NHS contracts in Colwyn Bay and Caernarfon.

"We are in positive discussions with this party and the health board to look at future opportunities.”

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, has been leading a campaign to save dental services in Colwyn Bay.

Following the closure, Mr Millar has been raising concerns with Welsh Ministers, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and Bupa.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board said there had been more than 8,000 NHS patients treated at the Colwyn Bay Bupa practice and just over 4,200 in Caernarfon in the past two years

Mr Millar said: “Since Bupa Dental Care first announced its plans to close their practice in Colwyn Bay, patients of the surgery have been extremely concerned about how they would access dental services in the future given that all other practices in the area are full to capacity.

“I am therefore extremely pleased that another dental care provider has expressed an interest in taking on the Bupa Dental Care premises, staff and NHS contract in Colwyn Bay.

"They are currently engaging positively with Bupa and the Health Board and I hopefully we will have some definite, positive news soon."

Bethan Jones, area director central at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We remain committed to ensuring that dental services in Colwyn Bay and Caernarfon are replaced following receipt of the recent notice served by BUPA. 

"As such several options are actively being pursued by the Health Board to ensure continuity of service and more details will be shared once firm arrangements are in place.” 

Sign Darren's petition at www.darrenmillar.wales/save-our-dental-services-colwyn-bay