Thailand’s Dental Crisis: Patients Forced to Wait 2 Years for Root Canal Treatment
Patients in Thailand are facing a dental crisis, with waiting times for root canal treatment extending up to two years. The shortage of medical personnel, particularly dentists, has overwhelmed the healthcare system, leaving patients on the verge of collapse due to the prolonged waiting period for essential dental care.
Recently, a caregiver accompanying an 11-year-old boy for tooth decay treatment shared their grim experience. The boy received root canal treatment at a provincial hospital in Chachoengsao, but instead of scheduling a follow-up appointment, the hospital informed the family that they would need to return in two years. This exorbitant waiting time has raised concerns and sparked curiosity among the public.
Dr. Chonticha Aromseree from the main hospital in the province shed some light on the situation. Root canal treatments require specialists who can dedicate 1-1.5 hours per patient over 2-3 sessions, depending on the complexity of the tooth. However, the lack of these specialists and the high number of patients in need of similar treatments result in a backlog. Prioritizing one patient means leaving 2-3 others without the necessary care.
Patients without toothaches but with severe tooth decay are given emergency treatment to temporarily address the issue before being placed in the queue for further treatment. Unfortunately, the hospital only has two root canal specialists among its 19 dentists. These specialists also handle general dental treatments such as fillings, tooth extractions, and dental scaling. Given the time-consuming nature of root canal treatments, the specialists can only accommodate four sessions in the afternoon, leading to an extensive waiting list.
Previously, patients had to wait up to three years for treatment. However, the system underwent revision due to a surge in cases and the upcoming resignation of one of the root canal specialists in September 2023. This resignation would leave the hospital with only one specialist. As a solution, general dentists will be assigned less complex root canal cases, while patients who reside closer to other healthcare facilities will be redirected accordingly.
Dr. Nattaya Mills, the hospital’s director, expressed deep concern about the daily loss of healthcare staff. The hospital, which serves as the last resort for various societal issues related to mental health and diseases, witnesses frequent resignations due to the physically demanding eight-hour shifts that pay a meager 700 baht (approximately US$20). Many employees are opting for easier jobs offering better pay in private companies or aesthetic clinics, exacerbating the shortage of personnel.
Additionally, the hospital reflects the increasing prevalence of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and mental health problems in society. The rise in cases places further strain on the healthcare system and emphasizes the need for a shift towards preventive healthcare and maintenance.
Considering the concerns of doctors, nurses, and staff about the health conditions in the vicinity, urgent measures are required to address the crisis. The situation offers no respite in the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize improving the dental healthcare infrastructure and attracting and retaining skilled professionals. Only through these efforts can Thailand tackle its dental crisis and ensure that patients receive the timely and quality care they deserve.
