Bega Valley loses Public Dentist

26th June 2008

The loss of the public dentist in the Bega Valley Shire has again left questions as to the management of the service by the Iemma Government according to Bega MP Andrew Constance.

Andrew Constance Member for Bega

“The public dentist operating from Pambula Hospital has resigned and has not been replaced,” Mr Constance said.

“Surely the Iemma Government should have better managed the transition to a replacement dentist?” he asked.

“The Health Minister, Reba Meagher should explain how and why this has happened and what is being done to rectify the problem.

“The Minister should also outline how many are on the waiting list given 12 months ago the list was at 500 people.

“One of the greatest complaints I receive is the lack of public dentists and the waiting times for those in desperate need of assistance,” Mr Constance said.

“There is literally not a week that goes by when I am not dealing with a constituent in need of dental care,” he said

Revelations by Bega resident Mr Miners that he has had to extract his own teeth because he could not get any assistance from a public dentist only highlights the dire situation of residents in this electorate and state wide.

“Mr Miners is still on the waiting list for treatment as he has been since 2004.” Mr Constance said.

“It is sad to say Mr Miners situation is not unusual.

“The Iemma Government and the Health Minister are not fair dinkum when it comes to providing dental care.”

“The people of the Bega Electorate deserve so much better than what is currently on offer from this abysmal Iemma Government,” Mr Constance said.