Shadow Health Spokesman Michael Dunkley has slammed Government's handling of the row over work permits for foreign dentists.

Recently, several dentists have complained the Dental Board has intervened to block permits in a bid to keep work for locals - even though the workload is so high many dentists have huge waiting lists.

Yesterday Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister refused to comment while Health Minister Nelson Bascome said it was a matter for Immigration and the Dental Board was dealing with it properly.

Mr. Dunkley said: "Three Bermudian dentists have all had problems with Immigration.

"Mr. Lister and Mr. Bascome don't want to get involved. Clearly it's a problem which has been going on for some time.

"The Ministers need to bring some satisfactory resolution to these matters."

Some dentists have called for the Dental Board to resign.

Mr. Dunkley said the Minister should get on with announcing the new board.

He said: "We are very disturbed there are various Government boards not appointed for 2003. It's not acceptable."