Recruitment underway for senior dental posts to alleviate chronic waiting times in Midwest

–                  Two dental surgeons to be hired with a third on the way

–                  Serious consideration needed for A&E

 

Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has welcomed confirmation that three senior dental posts will be filled in the Midwest region to help alleviate the chronic waiting lists currently being experienced.

The HSE has confirmed to Deputy Crowe that recruitment is already underway for two surgeons.

“This is finally some positive news for dental care in our region,” said Deputy Crowe.

“As many parents can attest, waiting times to have children seen by public dentists in Clare is chronic.

“I’ve long championed this issue behind the scenes and, more publicly, in the Dáil Chamber so I’m delighted to receive confirmation that one general dental surgeon and one senior dental surgeon (special needs) are currently being recruited.

“The vacant posts in terms of dental surgeons in the CHO3 area exceed this – and 2.2 whole time equivalent general dental surgeons are needed, which was highlighted prior to the HSE’s recruitment embargo.

“While just one general dental surgeon is now being hired, approval is also underway for the remaining 1.2 whole time equivalent roles so this will seriously meet the shortfall.

“In addition, this will require dental nurse hires.

“It’s important to note that this recruitment is being exempt from the current embargo – this is essential to meet the needs of this region.

“I’m contacted regularly not only about this but also the need for dentists to accept medical card patients – I’ll continue raising this behind closed doors too.

“In the meantime, I’m glad to see these hires ongoing and hope that wait times for dentists will drop significantly as a result.”

-ENDS-