Dental care boosted by teaching unit

A dental health teaching unit in the Cynon Valley in Wales is hoping to improve the dental health of people in the area.

The unit in Mountain Ash was set up by the Cardiff and Vale University health board to reach the 10,000 people in the area who do not have a dentist.

They will be able to attend the unit for a free check up and dental advice, which will be given by dentists-in-training.

The board said 18 treatment booths would be available in Ysbyty Cwm Cynon.

Peter Ash, the head consultant at the unit, said people visiting the trainee dentists would be able to have any type of dental treatment usually performed in general practice. 

He explained: "We've come to this area because we've identified that there is a need for dental care."

"By bringing the unit here we're bringing treatment to those who need it in their own home area. There's no charge for any of the treatment we'll be carrying out here."

Cardiff School of Dentistry students in their fifth year of study will have the chance to carry out treatments will being advised by their teachers. 

Mr Ash added: "The benefits for the students is immense. They're coming out in their final year. We're acting as a transition between when they have done their initial, more academic years and when they leave us qualified and go into the outside world." 

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