Calls have been made for the free dental scheme to be overhauled
100 dentists across Cork have left the Dental Treatment Service Scheme in the last six years so it is now extremely difficult for someone on a medical card to secure a dental appointment
In the Cork South Lee area there has been a 44% reduction during the same period going from 108 dentists to just 60 dentists.
Sinn Féin's Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire says it's clear a more modern up-to-date contract is needed
" I know this has caused particular problems in Carrigaline, for example, but in other parts of the constituency, right across Cork and I would say across the country as well. It is becoming increasingly harder to find dentists. The reality is that individuals and families but the system will pay a price for this later on down the road as dental ill-health increases. The DTSS scheme clearly needs to be reviewed and a modern up-to-date contract is needed. It is profoundly impacting the dental health of people in my constituency and across the country and urgently needs to be reviewed"
