It is still unknown whether orthodontics outside Nuuk will be an option, says naalakkersuisoq. A working group’s recommendations are awaited this year before the political work goes ahead.
Orthodontics is an opportunity for around 40 children a year in Nuuk. Outside of Nuuk, there is no option for orthodontics for children and adults. It is not good enough, naalakkersuisoq for health now acknowledges.
– It is an acknowledgment that we have an unsatisfactory situation throughout the country, says Anna Wangenheim (D) to Sermitsiaq.
On July 22, Sermitsiaq referred to Paarnannguaq Mathiassen, who lives in Ilulissat and is a member of the municipal council in Avannaata Kommunia. She calls for the possibility of orthodontics for citizens outside Nuuk.
However, Naalakkersuisoq cannot now answer whether the possibility of orthodontics for citizens outside Nuuk will be realised.
– I cannot concretely say that there will be more specialist dentists, says Anna Wangenheim.
She states that a reform of dental care is currently being worked on.
It is expected that a working group will complete its work on the reform before the end of the year. The working group must come up with recommendations, which must then be discussed politically. Naalakkersuisoq awaits these recommendations in his further work.
Busy private dentists
In order to improve the options for orthodontics, naalakkersuisoq has previously spoken with private dentists. Without result.
– I have spoken to private dentists. They also already have many tasks. Some even do not have the capacity to cooperate with the public sector. Therefore, it is difficult to implement this wish for everyone, says naalakkersuisoq.
It was decided in 2019 that orthodontics should no longer be an option at the public dental clinics. A lack of specially trained dentists was then among the reasons.
Orthodontics at the public dental clinics was reintroduced in Nuuk in 2021. Since then, it has been a recurring topic that the lack of opportunities for orthodontics outside of Nuuk. Seven years have passed. But to this day it still hasn’t become possible again.
Naalakkersuisoq for health in 2020, Martha Abelsen (S), stated at the time that it would cost the national treasury 20 million kroner a year if orthodontics were to become an option again.
And the country can certainly afford it now, says Anna Wangenheim.
– There is money, but there is a lack of manpower, says naalakkersuisoq.
