The Health Ministry is taking steps to re-employ dental hygienists who are retiring at the age of 55, according to Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu. This announcement was made during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, where the minister addressed the ongoing shortage of dental hygienists in public hospitals.
Dr. Lalabalavu indicated that the responsibilities of dental assistants and hygienists overlap significantly. Currently, the establishment allows for 80 dental hygienists, of which only 27 positions are occupied, leaving three temporarily vacant and 50 completely unfilled.
The minister revealed that the ministry would look to re-employ dental hygienists who chose not to get vaccinated as well as those over the age of 60 but deemed medically fit. He mentioned that the ministry is collaborating with its human resources department and plans to present these strategies in the coming months.
Furthermore, Dr. Lalabalavu stated that the ministry is considering the creation of a new dental assistant position. This role would transition responsibilities currently held by dental hygienists in public facilities to the newly appointed dental assistants.