17 of the country’s 21 regions have a shortage of dentists. In Västerbotten, a third of the dentists needed are missing. Now the dental care manager in the region demands that the dental care system fundamentally changes. We visit Folktandvården city in Skellefteå, this clinic alone lacks 6 dentists. – We notice it daily, you feel that you are not enough, that you do not have time for all the patients who want to come to us, it becomes frustrating, says dentist Monica Antonsson. According to the National Board of Health and Welfare’s latest report, 17 regions in the country state that they have a shortage of dentists. In Västerbotten, 45 out of 140 dentists are missing. Here, one is now forced to prioritize, which means that healthy adults may have to wait five years for an examination. World-class dental health Folktandvården is responsible for providing dental care for children, the elderly and the sick, but the private actors do not have to do that. If everyone were to take this responsibility together, the dentist’s appointments would be enough for more people, that is what the dental care managers in the country believe, who believe that the dental care system must be reformed. – Swedish dental health is world class, but it is not equal. Private dental care today has free establishment rights and free pricing and does not have to take responsibility for the entire population like Folkdentavården, says Anna-Maria Stenlund Berggren, head of dental care in the Västerbotten region. Two years ago, there was a government investigation which, among other things, proposes that public and private dental care should work together. “Seriously” The head of dental care in Västerbotten believes that a new dental care law is needed now. – Everything is written about what needs to be done and we hope and believe that the inquiry’s proposal will come to the surface now after the election, because it is a national political decision that needs to be made. Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) does not want to appear for an interview and comment on the critical situation or say whether a bill is in the works. Meanwhile, Monica Antonsson is forced to keep saying no to many patients. – It is serious. In some cases, it can lead to poorer dental health and that they have a greater need for treatment once they get to the dentist. See an interview with dentist Monica Antonsson in the clip above.
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The shortage alarm: Here is the five-year wait for a dental visit
