News / NHS plans six new dentists
LENGTHY waiting times to see a dentist in Shetland could be slashed after NHS Shetland agreed plans to increase the number of dentists by more than half on Tuesday.
The health board hopes to recruit six new dentists to work at the Montfield dental unit in Lerwick, where the delays are most acute.
The £534,000 plan would mean a huge expansion of the service in the isles, where currently the NHS currently employs 7.8 full time equivalent dentists and one full time hygienist. These are supported by four locum dentists and three dentists working at a private practice.
Chief administrative dental officer Mike Collins said he hoped the new recruits could combine NHS and private work. He said that it would prove easier to find independent dentists to work in Shetland, where there have been problems recruiting in the past.
Mr Collins said that Shetland needed around 15 dentists to cover the level of work in the isles.
There are around 1,700 people on the waiting list to register for a dentist in Lerwick.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.