The waiting period for routine oral health services is now up to eight months, the Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment has admitted.

Ten days ago, Government dentists stopped accepting new patients, as two employees finished their list of active cases before leaving their positions, with urgent and emergency cases the only exception.

The Department of Health acknowledged that its hiring options were hampered by budgetary and administrative constraints, although one full-time locum and one part-time locum will be brought in to provide cover.

“No one is being moved from the waiting list to the active list unless their needs are urgent,” said a spokesperson, encouraging patients with insurance to to seek private help to alleviate pressure on the stretched public service.

“We are conscious of the impact on patients and are working tirelessly to remedy the situation within the constraints of the existing economic environment,” he added.