Dentists quit Hawke's Bay crisis service

Organisers of an after-hours dental service in Hawke's Bay are considering cutting its hours because too many dentists have pulled out due to stress.

Napier dentist Michael Francis, co-organiser of the service at a local clinic, said a third of participating dentists had pulled out during the past three years.

And that has put additional strain on those who are left.

He said it was not uncommon to be called up to 11pm or midnight, after a full day at his dental surgery: "Ive had calls at 2.30am from people demanding treatment".

He said dentists were abused and sworn at from time to time.

"The last guy who pulled out told me he was sick of being abused by patients all the time.

"All the dentists volunteer for the roster, they don't have to do it, and they don't see why they should have to put up with abuse."

Mr Francis said some people also took advantage of the system.

"Many people call you when its not an emergency they just use us as a convenience service.

"Sometimes you come all the way in (to the clinic), and they don't turn up."

Some dentists felt vulnerable going to a situation by themselves and Mr Francis said they strongly recommended that dentists did not be left alone if they did not feel comfortable.

The dentists had looked at employing security guards, but decided that would make their services prohibitively expensive.

After all that, sometimes dentists did not get paid, he said.

"People think the Government will pay, but it doesn't."

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY