Irish Dentists Warn of Growing Dental Surgery Waiting List

Concerns Over Backlog in Dental Screening Programme

IRELAND: Dentists in Ireland have raised alarm over a significant backlog in dental surgery appointments, with more than 13,000 people, including 4,342 children and special care patients, currently on a public waiting list for dental surgery. Additionally, there remains a backlog in the school dental screening programme, where fewer than half of the children due for an appointment have been seen.

Dr. Eamon Croke, President of the Irish Dental Association, expressed concern over the delayed appointments, particularly for children, stating, “Many children should have been seen by a public dentist in second class [year], are only receiving their first appointment when they are in their fourth year of secondary school.”

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Criticism of Government’s Dental Health Initiative

Dr. Croke criticized the Department of Health’s “Smile agus Sláinte” initiative, launched in 2019, citing a lack of meaningful consultation with dental professionals. He emphasized the need for a shift towards preventive oral healthcare, stating, “The measure of success for any policy…will be the extent to which we move away from disease management to active healthcare which prioritises prevention.”

The dental association highlighted issues with the initiative, including the absence of constructive road maps, financial responsibility, and assurance. Dr. Croke urged the government to engage with stakeholders to reform legislation and public schemes to improve oral healthcare services in Ireland.

Calls for Reform of Medical Card Scheme

Dentists also criticized the medical card scheme, describing it as outdated and unfit for purpose. They raised concerns about restrictions placed by the state on treatment provided to patients under the scheme. While supporting a state-funded scheme to assist lower income groups, dentists stressed the importance of ensuring equal levels of care for all patients.

In response to these challenges, the Irish Dental Association launched its position paper titled “Towards Sustainable Oral Healthcare Services.” The paper aims to provide a framework for the development of sustainable oral healthcare services in Ireland.

Dr. Croke reiterated the dental profession’s readiness to collaborate with the government and the Department of Health to address these issues and develop a sustainable oral healthcare system for the people of Ireland.

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