Manx Care can't increase dentistry budget despite growing waiting list

As of December, more than 4,600 people were waiting to be allocated to an NHS dentist

Manx Care can't afford to put more money into dental services, despite an increase in patients looking to go on an NHS dentist's list.

At the end of December, more than 4,600 people were awaiting allocation to a dentist.

Around 42,000 Manx residents are currently registered with Manx Care's dental services.

Director of Health Services Oliver Radford says without eligibility criteria, that list could grow further.

He told the organisation's board meeting that if England's eligibility criteria were to be introduced on the Isle of Man, just 18,000 residents would qualify for an NHS dentist.

While restricting who can sign up for NHS dental care isn't currently being considered, Mr Radford says increasing dentistry's £4.2m budget isn't the answer: