FILLING DENTISTS' BOOKS IN THE U.K.

SkyNews ^ | 07/30/03 | Staff Writer

[bedolido]

Dentists in Wales were stunned when 600 people turned up at their NHS surgery hoping for a place on the books.

Some of the desperate patients had camped out overnight, others had travelled up to 50 miles and the queue of hundreds snaked down a long hill.

The astonishing scenes came about after Brynteg dental surgery in Camarthen announced it would add 300 NHS patients to its list.

And although dentists at the practice thought the newspaper advert explaining patients would be on a first come, first served basis would generate interest, they had no idea people were so desperate.

Manager of the practice Heather Davies said: "I was amazed when I arrived. We expected a lot of people but not this many."

The surgery already has 4,000 NHS patients on its books since opening in January.

But many of the hopefuls were left in tears when they didn't make the list. Some had even offered bribes of up to £500 to jump the queue.

Steve Acworth, 56, who wasn't successful, told the Daily Mail the queue was "like those seen in a Third World country".

The new places became available because a new dentist is due to start there next week.

Head dentist at Brynteg surgery Nelson Kernahan said: "It's very disappointing to turn patients away but we had no real choice.

"We do our best to live within the NHS but it seems unfair that private dentists make about twice as much as we do."

The Dental Association has said at least another 40 dentists are needed in Wales.

Last Updated: 14:07 UK, Wednesday July 30, 2003

[bedolido]

At least 40 more dentists are needed in Wales

[theDentist]

At least 40 more dentists are needed in Wales

Do whales have waiting rooms? Are all my prospective patients named Jonas? Do I get payment from the patients or Government? Where shall I boil my toy-, er instruments?

[wideawake]

HillaryCare, anyone?

[boris]

"Are all my prospective patients named Jonas?"

Call me Ishmael.

--Boris

[ImaGraftedBranch]

This is what everyone can expect should we ever let things go too far.

[Prodigal Son]

Keep in mind, these 600 people are those wanting free dental care. There are plenty of dentists in the UK and you can get treatment just like in the States- but you have to pay. The shortage is in NHS dentists, not normal ones. I have never had any trouble here getting dental treatment. Of course, I pay the bill out of my wallet before I leave the dentist's office as well.