A new digital portal is set to revolutionize access to routine NHS dental treatment in Wales, thanks to Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW).
The Dental Access Portal, developed by DHCW, will serve as a centralized platform for health boards to allocate places for routine dental treatment at NHS practices throughout Wales. The rollout of this innovative service is scheduled to begin on a health board by health board basis by the end of 2024, following a successful pilot in the Powys Teaching Health Board region.
Jeremy Miles, cabinet secretary for health and social care, expressed excitement about the positive impact of the portal, stating that it will streamline the process for patients in Powys who are seeking NHS dental care.
During the pilot phase in Powys, individuals on the health board’s dental waiting list were automatically enrolled in the portal and given the option to opt out if desired. Once registered, patients can securely log in to track the status of their application.
Upon nationwide implementation, the portal will provide valuable insights to the Welsh government, NHS Wales, and partner organizations regarding the demand for NHS dental services at both local and national levels.
To apply through the portal, individuals must be at least 16 years old (or have a parent/guardian apply on their behalf if under 16), have not received routine NHS dental treatment in the last four years, and either reside in Wales for more than six months of the year or attend a Welsh GP practice.
Additionally, the Digital Medicines initiative managed by DHCW has welcomed PharmacyX as a new healthcare technology supplier to support the electronic prescription service (EPS) in Wales, further enhancing the digital healthcare landscape in the country.
