Buller Mayor Urges Action as Dental Crisis Deepens in Westport

Efforts to find a new dentist in Westport, New Zealand, have stalled for nearly a year, prompting local officials to seek creative solutions to address a growing health crisis. Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine has expressed concerns about the shortage of dental care in the area, which has left only one dental surgeon to serve a population of over 10,000 residents.

The situation has become increasingly critical as appointment backlogs grow. “Normally, we would have two dentists,” Cleine noted. “Westport itself has around 4,500 to 5,000 people, and one dentist frankly can’t keep up.” Current wait times for routine appointments can extend to six weeks, leading to significant health concerns for residents.

In an innovative approach to attract potential candidates, the economic development agency Development West Coast recently released a humorous video aimed at showcasing the appealing lifestyle in the region. Cleine explained, “I said at one of our Buller Health Trust board meetings, ‘We need to do something to elevate this position a bit and get a bit of attention.’” This strategy follows previous successful initiatives that attracted doctors and nurses to the West Coast.

The video seeks to highlight the balance between professional opportunities and quality of life that Westport offers. According to Cleine, “The idea is just to try and show that the lifestyle here is pretty good.”

The dental shortage is not an isolated issue. In a broader context, the Dental Association of New Zealand recently characterized the country’s oral health as facing a crisis. Their report indicated that one in three adults suffers from untreated tooth decay, with thousands requiring hospital care for preventable dental issues each year. This alarming trend has prompted the launch of the Oral Health Roadmap 2025-2030, which aims to address the longstanding stagnation in improving dental health outcomes across various communities.

Cleine underscored the dire consequences of the dental care shortage, stating that many residents who can afford it are opting to travel outside the district for treatment, while others defer their appointments entirely. “Undoubtedly, there will be a lot of people who just defer [appointments] and suffer in silence in the background,” he said, highlighting the potential for worsening health outcomes.

As initiatives to attract dental professionals continue, the situation remains urgent. The community of Westport is at a crossroads, needing immediate attention to ensure that residents have access to essential dental care services. The collaboration between local government and health organizations aims to foster a more sustainable healthcare environment in the region.