Public Dental Scheme Failing Children In South Wicklow Says Local TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin

A dramatic fall in dentists and hygienists is impacting necessary dental care services for sixth class pupils in Wicklow and Arklow according to a Sinn Féin TD

Delays at the length of time that children in South Wicklow are waiting to be seen under the public dental scheme in South Wicklow is drawing frustration and concern.

The HSE service focuses on sixth class pupils who are waiting up to nine months to be seen in Wicklow and Arklow.

The Irish Dental Association has seen a 23% fall in public dentists since 2010 due to a shortfall of around 500 dentists across both public and private sectors.

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow-Wexford Fionntán Ó'Suilleabháin says the lack of government oversight is harming children's dental health:

“I am deeply concerned about the current waiting times for children accessing dental services in South Wicklow. Following a Parliamentary Question to the HSE, I was shocked to have it confirmed in writing that the dental service is currently only targeting children who entered 6th Class in the 2024/2025 academic year. Even among those, some are waiting up to nine months to be seen.” 

He continued:

“As a primary for over 34 years I know that Children should be seen in 2nd, 4th, and 6th Class, as these years align with key dental development milestones. Timely screening is essential to detect early signs of disease or the need for orthodontic intervention. Delays in these assessments reduce the chances of early, preventative care—putting children at risk of poor oral health.” 

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin highlighted the scale of the issue: 

“In South Wicklow alone, there are 2,430 children at 6th level, 1,325 under Wicklow Primary Care Centre and 1,105 under Arklow Primary Care Centre. The service simply does not have the capacity to also target children in 2nd and 4th Class. Wicklow previously operated seven clinics per week, including one hygienist clinic. That number has now dropped to five due to a recent retirement. Arklow runs eight clinics weekly, including three hygienist clinics. Each clinic sees only 10 to 15 children per day. At this rate, it could take up to 18 months for some children to be seen—by which time they’ll already be in secondary school. And this doesn’t even account for children in 2nd and 4th Class at primary level.”

 Deputy Ó Súilleabháin also pointed to systemic issues within the HSE: 

“The HSE has acknowledged the backlog in preventative care and treatment, citing a shortage of dental staff as the primary reason. The Irish Dental Association has reported a 23% reduction in public dentists compared to 15 years ago, estimating a shortfall of around 500 dentists across both public and private sectors.”