Walvis Bay dental services nothing to smile about

SHAROLDINE BOCKSERVICES at the Walvis Bay State Hospital’s dental department have not been expanded to match the town’s growing population, residents say.

The hospital was built in 1964 to serve a population of about 16 000 people.

According to the World Population Review, Walvis Bay currently accommodates about 52 000 residents, which is putting pressure on healthcare facilities and staff at the town.

As a result, some residents have to travel to Windhoek for dental services, while those who can afford it turn to private practitioners.

Pensioner Lydia Wrenn (73) had to travel to Windhoek at her own cost to obtain dentures and fillings for her lower jaw on 7 December last year.

She had to visit Katutura Intermediate Hospital’s dental department about nine times, she says.

“It is difficult for those of us who live far to get those services. There are a lot of expenses to travel to Windhoek and back. Many people, especially pensioners, cannot afford it,” Wrenn says.

After all her trouble, she is, however, not satisfied with the dental services she received.

She says her fillings have fallen out, and her denture does not fit.

“When I talk it cuts my tongue, because the teeth are too long in front . . . I went back to fix it, but they said I had to wear it for a month, and then it would fit. But after the month my tongue was so sore I couldn’t speak properly,” Wrenn says.

Due to the costs she is not planning on returning to Windhoek.

Another Walvis Bay resident, Joshwin Basson, who suffers from high blood pressure, had to visit the Walvis Bay State Hospital for a tooth extraction last year.

After waiting since 05h00 on the particular day, he was sent home due to his blood pressure being too high to complete the procedure.

“Waiting for that long with little patience would obviously increase my blood pressure. I had to come back again when my blood pressure was normal before I could be assisted,” Basson says.

But returning was not easy.

“I had to prepare myself psychologically not to stress, because if I did, my blood pressure would increase again and I would have to wait even longer,” he says.

Basson’s tooth was eventually extracted, but not properly, he claims.

He says he never returned.

Basson added: “They should get more equipment and more dentists so that they are able to accommodate more patients daily. They should also allow people to make appointments every day to avoid residents from coming to the hospital very early in the morning.”

Dr Leonard Kabongo, chief medical officer and health director of the Erongo region says preference is given to emergencies, pensioners, patients with physical or mental disabilities, and infants.

Patients who need restoration or other lengthy procedures are scheduled in the afternoons, he says.

“In response to the growing population, two dentists were appointed permanently in 2018, compared to the dated staff structure, which made provision for one dental therapist and one dental surgery assistant.

“Very soon another dental surgery assistant will be added to the team,” Kabongo says.

He says the possibility of expanding the hospital’s dental department is being discussed.

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