SASKATCHEWAN (CBC) - The head of the Newfoundland and Labrador dental association warns that it's only a matter of time before the province's new practising dental surgeon won't be able to cope with the workload.

Although Dr. Anthony Poon is doing great work, "I'm very concerned if we don't find someone soon, his workload is just going to be too much for him," association executive director Anthony Patey told CBC News.

With the retirement of his predecessor in June 2007, the province was without a practising dental surgeon until Poon took over the position this March. Unable to find a full-time replacement, the province was bringing in specialists from other provinces to handle surgeries.

The association says the absence of a full-time surgeon was resulting in patients waiting in pain for months for a procedure.

Poon is now on board, but the association says the province should have five dental surgeons to handle the workload.

Minister promises help

Patey met with Health Minister Ross Wiseman on Tuesday to ask for help recruiting dental surgeons to the province.

"He said to us he'd do whatever he could to help us in our search," Patey said.

But Patey said it will still be an uphill battle to find available surgeons, let alone one willing to work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

On average, four oral surgeons graduate in Canada each year, and the demand for them is high across the country.

Patey said the dental association is recruiting in the U.S., but until another doctor is found to join Poon, it has to send some patients out of province for treatment.

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