NHS dentist waiting list can't be tackled until 'appropriate resources' are available

Almost 6,000 people currently on the waiting list

The 5,800 people currently waiting for an NHS dentist on the Island won't be assigned to Hillside Dental Practice until the 'appropriate resources' are available.

The practice currently has a booking freeze on exams for its existing patients as it tries to get through the list of transfers from its previous provider.

While acting as interim health minister Alfred Cannan announced plans to transfer all 5,800 people on the waiting list for an NHS dentist to Hillside.

Manx Care says work on a fourth surgery within the practice is hoped to start within the next three months and it's also actively looking to recruit another dentist.

Both these things need to be in place before new patients can be transferred to the practice.

Anyone already on the waiting list for a dentist should not contact Hillside directly but wait to be contacted by the Primary Care Service.