Jersey Dental Association raises concerns over waiting times for children
Representatives from the Jersey Dental Association have raised concerns over waiting times for treatment for children.
In an interview with ITV Channel, dentists described the current situation on the island as “unacceptable and unworkable” and highlighted staffing issues as one of the main contributing factors.
In the last 18 months, no specialist consultants have been appointed to work at the Hospital for Children’s Dentistry and there is a “general lack of staff,” according to the association.
The body is urging the government to take swift action to tackle waiting lists and provide long-term solutions for better provision of care for children on the island. One suggestion put forward by dentists is the option to include private practices, but the association stressed that the system would need to be “properly funded on an ongoing basis.”
Recently, the Health Department published a new Quality and Performance report, which highlighted challenges in community dentistry. The story of one patient, Ella, who is now 17, underlines the gravity of the situation. Ella was first referred for treatment at the age of nine, but her mother, Georgie, said there has been no progress since 2015.
When Georgie last called to enquire about Ella’s treatment, she was informed that Ella was now 60th on the waiting list. Georgia has taken her daughter to a private orthodontist, who was shocked that Ella had waited so long for treatment, but she was unable to pay the fees quoted.
The government has stressed that work is underway to increase capacity to reduce waiting times and develop a sustainable, long-term plan for childrens’ dentistry in Jersey.
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