Thailand’s health services strain as dental appointments delay

[snoop1130]

 

The lack of medical personnel in every department, coupled with the measly number of dentists has pushed health services to the brink in Thailand with patients finding themselves on the verge of collapse as dental appointments are pushed two years ahead.

 

At 9am yesterday, a caregiver, who was accompanying an 11 year old boy for tooth decay treatment, shared this grim situation. The patient was treated at a provincial hospital in Chachoengsao. After the dentist performed root canal treatment, the boy was given a second appointment, in two years’ time.

 

The hospital advised the family that they would not schedule any appointments, instead, patients were asked to report for follow-up treatments after the two-year period. Alternatively, patients or their caretakers can also turn to private dental clinics to expedite their root canal treatments.

 

This sparked curiosity and concerns among the public. Why did the hospital schedule the second treatment two years later? It was seen as an exorbitant waiting time, reported Sanook.

 

From the province’s main hospital, Dr Chonticha Aromseree gave some insight. A root canal treatment requires a specialist who can dedicate roughly 1-1.5 hours per patient, spread across 2-3 sessions depending on the number of roots per tooth. Besides the lack of specialists, many patients are awaiting similar treatments. If the hospital prioritises one patient, 2-3 others would inevitably miss their treatments.

 

By Samantha Rose

Caption: Picture courtesy of Sanook

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-hospitals-dentist-shortage-causes-two-year-delays-for-root-canal-treatment-appointments

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-10

 

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[hotchilli]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The lack of medical personnel in every department, coupled with the measly number of dentists has pushed health services to the brink in Thailand with patients finding themselves on the verge of collapse as dental appointments are pushed two years ahead.

So many private dental practices setting up, it seems the health service don't provide decent working conditions or salary, compared to outside the system.

[Ben Zioner]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

So many private dental practices setting up, it seems the health service don't provide decent working conditions or salary, compared to outside the system.

Yep, work for the  government pays for the pension and  healthcare,  the private practice pays for  the BMW.

[mikebell]

There are very few National Health dentists in UK too.  I accept shoving your fingers in someone else's mouth needs extra remuneration.

[Burma Bill]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

as dental appointments are pushed two years ahead.

A problem the Administrators need to get their teeth into!!

Edited August 11, 2023 by Burma Bill
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