RECENTLY, I visited the government dental clinic in Jalan Puchong, Selangor. My denture had broken and I wanted to make a new one quickly because I had problems eating.

To my shock, I was told by one Dr Mani that I had to wait for two years as there was a long waiting list. As a pensioner, it is not possible for me to go to a private dentist as it would cost me a bomb.

Why two years? What are the dental staff in the clinic doing?

The long wait poses other questions. Am I supposed to stay away from chicken, mutton, pork and festive goodies for two years or until the dental staff call me?

Don’t they know that without a denture, the gums will shrink, the jaw will drop and there could be changes to the facial structure? I could look different from my photo in the MyKad or my passport and be mistaken for an illegal.

I hope the health authorities will look into the matter and respond efficiently.

EUGENE ABRAHAM, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – December 18, 2008