The Southern District Health Board's mobile dental clinics around Dunedin were put off the road last year due to staffing issues, and the DHB confirmed yesterday that it would be months yet before they returned to duty.
"We are working towards starting these mobile clinics again in the second half of the year," SDHB oral health services clinical leader Tim Mackay said.
"In the meantime, our therapists are working hard to see as many patients as possible."
In December, it was revealed that children across Dunedin were waiting more than 12 months for a check-up when the target was an annual checkup.
That backlog was being worked on, and staff who would normally work in the mobile clinics were now treating students in the SDHB's fixed hub clinics, Dr Mackay said.
"Because of our staffing challenges, there are some children who are overdue for their check-up, mainly at the Mosgiel and South Dunedin fixed clinics.
"We are working hard to see these patients by prioritising children who are overdue for an appointment, and who have been waiting the longest."
However, that leaves students served by the mobile clinics - which operate in Port Chalmers, Wakari, Portobello and Abbotsford - still in the lurch.
Dr Mackay said the DHB had been "experiencing challenges" recruiting dental therapists to work in Otago and Southland, and also had several unexpected staff retirements.
Four new staff had been hired and the SDHB was actively recruiting more,Dr Mackay said.
In the meantime, he urged parents to ensure children brushed their teeth and avoided sugary foods and drinks.
If a child needed urgent dental care, parents should call 0800 672-543, Dr Mackay said.
