Coronavirus in Wales: More dental services from 1 July

Andrew Goodall said people who have experience problems will be offered help first

More dental care will be available for patients from 1 July, the chief executive of NHS Wales has confirmed.

Andrew Goodall said people who have experienced problems during lockdown will be offered help first.

"A wide range of care will be available at most local dental practices for patients who urgently need them," he said.

But Mr Goodall said the restoration of services would be "gradual" to protect staff and patients.

It is not expected that routine dentistry will be available until 2021.

Routine work had stopped during the pandemic because many dental procedures use tools that create spray, leading to a higher risk of transmission of the virus.

Routine dentistry is not expected to be back up and running until 2021

The Welsh Government has faced calls to reopen surgeries from dentists themselves, who warned of an impending health "disaster".

Dr Goodall told the daily Welsh Government press briefing officials are planning to restart services in three phases, with the first phase beginning in July.

"The group of people who have experienced problems during lockdown will be offered assessment and care first," he said.

"We will progress based on urgency and patient need until the restoration of routine check-ups in the final phase."

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Further phases will be "about restoring activities in different ways", Mr Goodall said, adding he hoped routine assessments could be restored.

Despite the pandemic, Dr Goodall said dentists had been open when necessary for urgent care, with 11,500 people seen and 140,000 consultations done remotely.

Routine dental procedures have been cancelled during the pandemic

Meanwhile Dr Goodall reiterated that a "cautious approach" will be needed to easing any lockdown restrictions.

The chief executive responded to a question as to whether so-called "social bubbles", introduced in England, would be part of the next lockdown review.

Dr Goodall said: "We'll be approaching the next phase of lockdown review through next week... and the first minister alongside the cabinet will be reviewing any opportunities to see what the next steps are for lockdown restrictions".

The next lockdown announcement in Wales is expected on 19 July.