How austerity measures are dismantling public oral health: sliding from crises to catastrophe

Abstract

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) unilaterally implemented austerity measures on 1st April 2025. This drastic fiscal measure by the GDoH, contravened the legally enforceable and mutually obligatory contract with dentists and specialists effective 1 April to 31 March 2026. The department hastily and abruptly suspended commuted overtime; enforced a moratorium on filling of posts; terminated sessional posts including the services of clinicians with scarce skills. By implication, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) suspended certain specialist oral health services and in some cases, discontinued the provision of oral health care in the province and beyond. This regrettable and unjustifiable move by the GDoH has collapsed oral health services in the province and nationally. This crippling assault on the profession has pushed the national oral health service to the brink of collapse, and unable to regain its former glory. We can only wonder if time can restore what fate has torn? Or leave it lost, forgotten and forlorn.