At the end of last year, the HSE employed only 249 dentists, creating a backlog in dental screenings for children. Tens of thousands of children, who should receive free dental screenings in second and fourth class, are at risk of untreated tooth decay. The lack of adequate dental staffing has led to significant care delays, and many children are only receiving dental screenings in their final year of primary school or later, highlighting a critical access crisis in dental care.
The HSE employed only 249 dentists at the end of last year, leading to a significant backlog in dental screenings for children.
As a result of the shortage of HSE dentists, tens of thousands of children at risk of untreated tooth decay are not receiving timely dental screenings.
Children are supposed to have free dental screenings in second and fourth class, yet the ongoing care delays have created an access crisis.
The delays in dental care are particularly concerning as children may not receive necessary screenings until their last year in primary school or later.
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