Over 90 percent of NHS dental practices in Wales are unable to offer appointments to new adult patients, according to a survey.

The British Dental Association (BDA) and the BBC identified 8,533 dental practices across the UK that were believed to hold NHS contracts, and attempts were made to call them all.

The calls made by the BBC found that across Wales, 93% of NHS practices were not accepting new adult patients.

READ MORE: Residents face three year wait for NHS dentists as calls made for 'urgent action'

Shawn Charlwood, chairman of the British Dental Association’s general dental practice committee, said: “NHS dentistry is at a tipping point, with millions unable to get the care they need and more dentists leaving with every day that passes.

“We’re seeing the results of years of chronic neglect, set into overdrive by the pressures of the pandemic. The question now is will ministers step up before it’s too late?

“Nothing we’ve heard from government to date gives us any confidence this service has a future.

“Without real reform and fair funding NHS dentistry will die, and our patients will pay the price.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We understand that some people may be struggling to find an NHS dental practice in their area and we would urge them to contact their local health board who will assist in finding a practice.

READ MORE: Accessing dentists still major problem in North Wales

“We are working on system reform and working with the dental profession to improve access, experience and quality of dental care. Through a personalised care plan dentists will be able to extend the recall interval from the traditional 6 month review, which will create additional capacity for patients requiring urgent care.

“New patients may have to wait a little longer for routine dental care as dentists work through the backlog from the pandemic and implement the dental reform.

“Anyone who needs emergency dental care will be seen quickly and should contact 111 to be referred for treatment.”