A new NHS community dentist is set to be available in a Powys town for the next few months.

Powys Teaching Health board has announced that residents in the Hay on Wye area on the NHS dental waiting list will have access to a new temporary community NHS dental service

The health board confirmed that the service will be available for the next three months.

The new temporary unit  will be at the Recreation Facilities on Brecon Road until December.

The town has been chosen as the first stop for the mobile unit.

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Dental Director with Powys Teaching Health Board, Warren Tolley, said: “The dental unit will be staffed by a dedicated team including a newly employed registered dental nurse, senior dental officer and driver/administrative officer.

“However, the five day a week service will not be the same as a regular NHS practice. In order that we can see as many patients as possible, people will be invited to come to the start of a session (either a morning or afternoon) and they will then be seen as soon as possible.”

“We appreciate that some patients may have to wait a little while, but this will mean that we can ensure that as many local people are seen during the day as possible.”

Patients will be invited to the service from the existing dental waiting list in Powys for a single course of treatment but there will also be an urgent access provision - for patients with dental pain or swelling - by calling the 111 phone line.

The temporary unit will be able to provide a wide range of core dental services, but where patients need additional treatment or support, they may need to be referred to other services including the dental department at Breconshire War Memorial Hospital.

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The service will be for anyone on the dental waiting list who either lives in Powys or who lives outside Powys but is registered with Haygarth Medical Practice.

Councillor Fiona Howard, Chair of Hay on Wye Town Council, added: “We are excited to be part of the development of a mobile dental facility that will not only provide accessible dental care but also improve access for vulnerable resident to essential health services.

“This facility will ensure that all residents, regardless of their financial situation, can receive quality oral healthcare close to home. The opening of this centre is a major step towards promoting overall well-being, fostering a healthier community, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to maintain their oral health.”

The health board has said it will confirm the next location for this service later this autumn.