Siân launched the petition at a conference for Welsh dentists in Cardiff held by The Welsh Dental Association (Y Gymdeithas Ddeintyddol).
The petition followed the publication of a report commissioned by Siân making the case for the school.
‘Filling the gaps: The case for training dentists in Bangor’ was published in a special event in September 2024 and made the educational, health and economic case for establishing a school to train dentists at Bangor University. The calls have been supported by figures from the university, local dentists and health board representatives.
It has been argued that the dental school, which would be Wales’ second facility of its kind, would help alleviate the dental crisis by helping to grow the workforce.
Siân said, “In a report by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales published in October 2024, one of the main health bodies in Wales claims that 'patients face delays in getting dental care, with many dental practices finding it difficult to meet the demand.'
“It also states that delays in getting dental appointments can lead to minor concerns developing into a more complex problem, which requires more invasive and costly treatments. This underlines the need to train more dentists in Wales.”
Siân has led a debate in the Senedd on the issue and called on the Welsh government to implement the report’s findings. She secured the support of MSs from the Conservative and Labour parties. However, despite conceding that the report was “well-researched”, the cabinet secretary for health insisted the Welsh government could not fund the project.
Siân added, “Although the cabinet secretary for North Wales has said this week that he supports the idea in principle, it was frustrating to hear the cabinet secretary for health reject the plans for fiscal reasons.
“That’s why I am launching a petition to show the breadth of support locally by constituents and dental professionals alike for establishing a school of dentistry in Bangor. The report commissioned by me sets out clearly the case for training dentists in the north.
“I’m fully aware that training is only part of the solution, but it is an essential part of it. Therefore, I urge everyone who supports the principle of training more dentists, and doing so in Bangor, to sign my petition.”