Irish Dentist concerned by the decline in Dental Treatment
Dentists in Ireland have expressed concern after figures suggested a significant decline in the number of dental treatments carried out since the medical card system was changed by the government.
Last year, the government changed the system as part of budget cuts brought in to reduce the deficit; medical card holders lost nearly of all their benefits and figures have now conformed that many people are struggling to afford regular dental treatment. Last year, medical card holders lost their cover for non-emergency dental treatments and as a result, the number of treatments, including fillings, extractions and cleaning treatments, carried out by dentists fell from 227,325 last year to 137,004 for the same period of time this year.
Figures for the same period of time for more complex treatments are even more alarming; statistics show that the number of complex treatments, such as dentures and root canal therapy, has fallen by 60 percent.
Dr Andrew Bolas, vice president elect of the Irish Dental Association, said that the figures show that it is extremely important that the government reconsiders and reinstates the medical card system. Medical card holders are missing out on regular dental care, which will lead to higher bills for dental care in the future. Dr Bolas stated that the new government has promised to reintroduce the medical card system and will also consider reinstating the PRSI scheme, which was also reduced last year as part of the previous government’s budget cuts.
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