NHS Highland continues ‘vigorous’ search for new Mull dentist
Representatives from NHS Highland have confirmed that a ‘vigorous’ search for a new dentist for the Isle of Mull continues.
Previous adverts for the post have been unsuccessful, but members of the trust are determined to fill the role, which is to become vacant when the current dentist retires.
A spokesman for the trust stated that the board has been trying to fill the role for several months now, but so far, there have been no applications. The trust will continue to seek a new dentist for the island by searching “vigorously” and it is hoped that a suitable applicant will be found in the near future.
The dentist currently working on the island has agreed to increase his hours, which include operating a mobile unit, on a temporary basis to try and reduce waiting times for treatment.
Mary Jean Devon, a local councillor, said that it was worrying that there has been no interest in the role, as a lack of dental services will leave people facing a wait for treatment. There are also concerns that people could struggle to reach the dentist, and this could put them off trying to attend appointments.
NHS Highland’s spokesman confirmed that the role had been advertised on a number of occasions. Recruitment efforts are set to be stepped up in a bid to find a replacement dentist as quickly as possible.
The Isle of Mull has a population of around 2,600.
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