The Liberal Vannin party is calling on Health Minister Howard Quayle to act over a shortage of NHS dentists.

Health spokesperson Maire Booth says a 'major problem' exists, with people unable to access adequate dental care because they can't afford a private dentist.

She said: 'Not only is time spent on the waiting list to join an NHS practice an impossible wait but, when finally on a list, getting an appointment within a reasonable period of time is again impossible as there is a minimum two to three month wait for a check-up after an emergency appointment.

'The government needs to address the lack of NHS dentists currently available and needs to do so with urgency.'

Liberal Vannin says another area that needs addressing is the emergency dental service.

Ms Booth said: 'Why is it you can get help from the MEDS service yet dental pain can only be treated between 9-11am on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays? There are a lot of people who cannot afford the private fee for emergency care and therefore suffer in silence.

'We hope that the Health Minister and his team will now act quickly to prevent the current dental health problem from becoming a crisis.'


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