Search continues to find new Mull dentist
Position has been advertised since October with critics saying short-term contract to blame
NHS Highland has revealed that it is still searching for a full-time dentist on Mull to replace Chris Price who retired in February.
The position, which is only being offered on a fixed-term one-year contract, has been advertised since October last year to no avail. A public dental service dentist who has worked in Argyll and Bute for a number of years said that he felt it was the short-term contract that might be hindering the process. He said: “I don’t know many dentists who would move there for one year unless they just wanted to try out the lifestyle. And, in that case, what happens if they enjoy it and the job is terminated after a year?”
A spokesman for the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, said that while recruitment is ongoing the remaining part-time dentist on Mull has agreed to increase their hours but will only be focusing on priority groups and emergencies.
He said: “We are still actively seeking to recruit a dentist for this post. Until we are able to recruit a replacement dentist those patients who are seeking appointments for day-to-day dental treatment may have to wait longer to be seen as we will have to focus on priority groups, children and those seeking emergency dental care. While we have only one dentist we can confirm that dental services for the local communities on Mull will be provided from the dental surgery in Tobermory.”
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