UHM orders industrial action by dentists in government employment

The UHM has ordered dentists employed by the government not to carry out work normally done by appointment - such as fillings, braces and dentures - because no progress was made in talks over longstanding issues.

Joseph Bonello, UHM health section secretary, said these directives had been issued before, but they were suspended pending talks with the authorities.

"However during the talks we heard what we had heard before, it is a situation which cannot be allowed to persist any more. The directives, therefore, are being reintroduced."

He said the issues centred mostly on appointments of casual workers and career progression, as agreed in a collective agreement.

There are currently 15 dentists in government employment, although, Mr Bonello said, there should be 35. They work in hospitals and health centres.