Maniototo dental assistants Sylvia Carson (left) and
Carolyn Steele (right) are joining Waipiata resident and
Project Maniototo co-ordinator Amie Pont (middle) in a bid
to retain the area's only dental practice. Photo by Rosie
Manins.
Maniototo residents are being urged to support an
initiative to retain the area's only dental practice after the
death in December last year of sole dentist Paul Sapsford.
Mosgiel-based Mr Sapsford (60), a former All Black, owned the
purpose-built 1930s Art Deco dental surgery and worked there
each Friday.
His death after a jet-boating accident put an end to dental
care in the Maniototo, forcing clients to travel to the next
closest practices, in Palmerston and Alexandra - or go
without.
Mr Sapsford's daughter, Amie Pont, and his two former dental
assistants, Sylvia Carson and Carolyn Steele, have arranged
for a locum dentist to service Maniototo clients on four days
in May, although the surgery's long-term future remains
uncertain.
The land, building and surgery equipment is for sale.
Mrs Pont - Project Maniototo co-ordinator - said she hoped
the building would continue to be used as a dental practice.
She said bookings for the May dates had been steady, although
all past, present and potential clients were asked to
register their interest in continued dental care at Ranfurly
to establish the level of demand.
It was hoped a dentist or group of locums would be interested
in buying, or practising at, the Ranfurly centre if satisfied
of the need from residents throughout the wider area.
• Dunedin dentist Selwyn Chalmers will work out of the
Ranfurly practice on May 5, 6, 10 and 11.
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