Dentists need help to clear backlog of neglected teeth

Dentists say they're facing huge waitlists due to missed appointments during lockdown and they need funding to help some patients whose damage is beyond repair. Under alert level two dentists can operate with social distancing and PPE requirements in place, now their main priority is clearing a backlog of missed appointments and as teeth deteriorate fast, it's making things painful and costly for many patients. healthLouise Ternouth spoke to President of the New Zealand Dental Association Katie Ayers, starting with how dentists are operating under level two.