Registration for NHS Dental Waiting List Urged After Surgery Experiences Call Surge

Individuals without an NHS dentist are now being advised to register for services through the official government website, following a significant influx of calls received by a specific dental surgery. This directive comes after the chief minister confirmed last month that the complete waiting list, comprising approximately 5,800 patients, would be assigned to Hillside Dental moving forward. Alfred Cannan stated that efforts were underway to establish a fourth surgery room and to hire an additional dentist at the clinic located in Douglas. Manx Care reported that Hillside has subsequently experienced a “high volume of calls” concerning patient registration, but clarified that the practice is unable to accept direct registrations. A spokesperson for the healthcare provider explained that once prepared, the practice would exclusively accept new patients from the government’s official dental allocation list. She added that individuals already on the waiting list would be contacted by Primary Care Services at the appropriate time. The spokesperson further stated, “Please do not contact Hillside Dental Practice directly regarding this.” Mr. Cannan informed the House of Keys last month that the practice was anticipated to commence treating the accumulated number of patients lacking an NHS dentist within a six-month timeframe.