Hospital Admissions on the Increase Following Dental Cuts in Ireland
The number of people admitted to hospital for dental infections has increased by 38 percent since cuts to the dental scheme in Ireland were introduced, according to new research.
Figures from 2011 and 2012 show a sharp increase in the number of people seeking urgent treatment in hospitals for dental infections, following cuts affecting the PRSI scheme in 2010.
The study, which is entitled, ‘Odontogenic infections and their management’, also reveals that there was an increase in the number of patients who required surgery for cavities, a condition that can be treated long before patients reach the stage where they need hospital treatment.
The authors of the study found that 70 percent of patients were taken for surgery on the first day of admission in 2011, compared to 28 percent in 2008.
Fintan Hourihan, chief executive of the Irish Dental Association, said that the study highlights the impact of PRSI cuts and underlines the belief long-held by dentist across Ireland that cuts are damaging the oral health of the nation.
This week, health minister Leo Varadakar suggested there may be a chance of restoring the benefits. However, the Irish Dental Association claimed that both government parties promised to restore the benefits in their last election campaign, and this has not been delivered.
The reality of the situation, according to dentists, is that many of the cases that end up in hospital could be prevented or treated a lot earlier and this would save people a lot of pain and hassle, as well as cutting government spending.
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