Jersey dentists say rules are outdated
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2014 09:32
- Written by News Editor
- Hits: 2170
Dentists on Jersey are saying that rules on the island are making treatment more expensive. Under 1961 legislation, dental work can only be carried out by qualified dentists, unlike the UK, where simple treatments can be carried out by dental hygienists and therapists more cheaply. Health officials said new rules, which would require the island Government’s approval, are in the process of being drafted.
Dr Jon Sproson, a dentist practising in Jersey, told BBC News: “The denial of these things to people in Jersey is clearly costing patients money and denying them access to services. That's wrong.” Dental professionals also say the existing regulations hamper recruitment because hygienists from outside the island see Jersey as restrictive.
Jersey native Katie Park trained in the UK but returned to work in the island. She told the BBC that she would be prosecuted if she carried out treatments in Jersey which she is qualified to offer in the mainland. "You train to do something so you want to be able to do it," she said. "The nature of dentistry is that we are going to need more and more hygienists and if they're not able to do what they're trained to do then why would they want to come here?"
You need to be logged in to leave comments.
Report