Smyth calls for Answers to Primary School Dental Crisis

Local Bailieborough Fianna Fáil Councillor, Niamh Smyth has today called on the Health Service Executive in Cavan / Monaghan to explain why there are such long delays in accessing dental services for Primary School Pupils.

Speaking following a presentation from the HSE to all County Councillors where the HSE made a rather generalised claim that Dental Treatment is a priority issue for them, Cllr. Smyth said “children in neighbouring counties have to wait on average 6 weeks for treatment. Here in County Cavan, many children are not being attended to by the HSE Dental Service and their parents are being forced to get private orthodontic treatment at a considerable personal cost”

Cllr. Smyth will be requesting that the HSE makes a further presentation to Cavan Councillors in the next month outlining what the current situation is and what steps are being taken to alleviate the back log.

‘Not so long ago, pupils could get access to a School Dentist in a very short time frame. How, in the 21st Century, can we have such long delays for such a basic service?” added Cllr. Smyth.

Concluding Cllr. Smyth said “The HSE are doing a wonderful job in many areas and this needs to be commended, but Primary Dental Care is of such importance that this issue cannot go on any longer. I am adamant to get answers to this unacceptable situation.”