Nelson Dentists Overwhelmed by Demand for Free Dental Care
Members of a dental team from Nelson, who gave up their time to help people on low incomes last weekend, said that they have been overwhelmed by the demand for free clinics.
Staff members from Richmond Dental Centre said that they had been inundated with calls over the last few months following the confirmation that a free clinic would take place for those on a low income in May. On the 18th May, the team completed a number of 30-minute appointments, which were available free of charge to those on low incomes.
The centre was taking part in a new initiative sponsored by Southern Cross Trust and the New Zealand Dental Association and patients were treated to free 30-minute sessions, in which dentists checked their teeth and gums, diagnosed any issues and provided treatment. Some patients were also advised to return to the clinic for further treatment.
Practice manager Jan Cockeran said there had been a huge amount of interest in the free dental day and people are already asking about the next date. There were 667 appointments available across the country and clinics received more than 2,000 calls from patients wishing to find out more or make an appointment, which clearly underlines the need for more affordable dental care in New Zealand.
Ms Cockeran said that it was a sad situation to turn people away who are clearly in need and the practice organised a reserve list, just in case some people were unable to make their appointment.
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