“Oral health, in particular for those with special care needs, is an afterthought for this government” says Joanna Byrne

Sinn Fein TD for Louth and East Meath, Joanna Byrne, has expressed concern about the worrying waiting times for school children. Commenting on figures released to her in response to a parliamentary question, Deputy Byrne stated.

“The number of children waiting for dental treatment under the primary school dental checks scheme shows a clear and continuing crisis under the watch of this government. The figures for children’s orthodontic treatment are also worrying.”

Figures provided to Deputy Byrne in response to parliamentary question indicate that 2,743 sixth class National School children in County Louth were waiting six months for their check and 97 children waiting for periods between 13-24 months for Grade 5 orthodontic treatment

“The response also stated that “In light of available resources, the Public Dental Service Louth Meath focuses on the provision of the school dental programme for those children in sixth class national school and provides emergency care to children outside of target until aged sixteen years and adults and children with special needs.

“Children however are not the only cohort suffering from the impact of this crisis. My constituency offices in Drogheda are regularly contacted by people who hold medical cards and simply cannot access a dentist in Drogheda, and are having to travel to Meath or Fingal in the hope of treatment

“A response I received from the HSE themselves stated that “there would appear to be a national shortage of both Dental Surgeons and Dental hygienists owing to the significant challenges faced nationally in attempting to fill vacant posts, either through recruitment campaigns or using numerous recruitment agencies.

“The bottom line is that Public Dental Services in Louth/Meath must be properly resourced. This government must step up and ensure that they properly resource and fund dentistry and orthodontic care for children and adults. We simply cannot continue to have a situation where oral health of both children and adults, in particular those with special care needs, is an afterthought for this government “

“I will continue to pursue this very concerning matter with the Minister for Health and campaign for access to services for constituents in Louth and East Meath “