‘Alarming’ – 2,000 local students waiting over two years to see dentist: Kilkenny TD
Up to 8,000 local students are being forced to wait up to two years for a dental appointment under the school dental service.
The figures were revealed by Carlow-Kilkenny TD Kathleen Funchion, who expressed “deep concern” at the waiting times for school dentist appointment in the constituency.
Deputy Funchion, who is Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on children, said: “Just under 8,000 (7,983) children are waiting anywhere between twelve months to two years for an appointment with their school dentist across Carlow and Kilkenny.
“This alarming figure includes the approximately 2,000 (2,103) children that are waiting in excess of two years for an appointment with their school dentist across the two counties.
“If this continues, I am worried that some children will not get this vital check-up prior to starting secondary school. This could mean that some children may need more invasive dental work.”
Deputy Funchion (pictured below) said it is “completely unacceptable” children have to wait in excess of two years to see their school dentist.
She added: “In some cases this may be the first visit many children make to the dentist. All temporarily seconded personal must return to their substantive roles as a matter of urgency.”
