The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) says it is working hard to get its oral health service delays back under control.

The region-wide Community Oral Health Service provides free dental services to children from birth through to Year 8, but concerns have been raised by local parents whose children have waited two years or more since their last appointment.

“Patients are seen in order of their recall date and we do our best to see children on a yearly basis,” SDHB community oral health professional leader Hannah Clark told the Wanaka App. 

“Our records show we have 40 patients in Wanaka who are overdue for their check up by more than 12 months. We currently have 2,348 children enrolled at our clinic and the bulk of our Wanaka patients are 6-11 months overdue.”

In June this year only two patients were overdue by more than a year. 

“The inability to provide dental services to the community under alert levels three and four, together with staff changes has brought some challenges to our community dental service in Wanaka,” Hannah said.

A mobile dental unit has previously been used to help reduce wait times but delays across the region mean the unit is being prioritised for the most at-risk communities, based on the amount of disease and severity.

Wanaka typically has a high standard for oral health, SDHB dental public health specialist Tim Mackay said. 

“Wanaka is a one chair clinic and our oral health therapist is working really hard to see as many patients as possible to get the service back on track,” Hannah said. “Our service is here to help and we acknowledge some parents will be concerned.”

SDHB said advice is available if a child has any problems with their teeth in between appointments. Parents can call 0800 672 543 (free call from cell phones).

“We also remind all families of the importance of promoting oral health through regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, especially after eating, drinking water and milk only, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks,” Hannah said.

PHOTO: Supplied