Guernsey dental care provision is defended

Guernsey's Health and Social Services Department has defended local dental care provision, following criticism about its cost for islanders.

Head of Children's Dental Services, Sarah Lyle, said financial support was available.

Her comments followed criticism from Deputy Peter Sherbourne who said it was a neglected area of health provision.

He said many islanders could not afford basic dental care such as braces for their children.

Mr Sherbourne said: "I was totally against the removal of the school's dental service and that has exacerbated all the problems."

But Mrs Lyle said the current system did support those who met certain criteria or who genuinely could not afford treatment.

She said: "Crooked teeth are a problem but when you have limited resources available for health services you have to prioritise those resources."

In his annual report, chief medical officer, Stephen Bridgman, said a significant number of islanders in Guernsey were suffering health inequality because they could not afford basic medical care.