A BOOST of £5 million for NHS dentistry in Wales represents a way forward for Pembrokeshire practices to maintain their NHS commitment, according to one local practitioner.

The funding announcement by National Assembly Health Minister, Dr Brian Gibbons, will help keep dentists within the NHS and develop patient services.

The money will fund the introduction of personal dental service (PDS) pilot schemes in Wales, allowing dentists and local health boards to work in partnership to meet local needs.

Milford Haven dentist, Dr Ian Jones, the newest member of Pembrokeshire Local Health Board, has welcomed the additional funding.

He said: "Undoubtedly PDS contracts represent a way forward for dental practices to maintain their NHS commitment."

The secretary of Dyfed Powys Dental Committee, who aims to take a lead by introducing the first PDS contract in Pembrokeshire within his practice, warned that it was vital new funds were introduced into the general dental service.

"It is widely recognised that chronic underfunding over many years has resulted in poor morale and an increasingly rapid movement away from the NHS," he said.

"Without significant funding, and the £5 million is a welcome start, then the future would remain bleak."

Chris Martin, chairman of Pembrokeshire Local Health Board, said it was good news for Pembrokeshire and hoped the announcement would encourage dentists to review service given to the public and possibly encourage private patients back into the NHS family.

The personal dental service potentially offers an opportunity for dentists to improve services, adopting a more preventative approach to oral health and be paid for quality rather than quantity.

Dr Gibbons said: "This announcement shows my commitment to improving dental services not only for patients but also for dentists."