Extent of dental crisis in Mayo revealed

By Caoimhín Rowland

THE full extent of the pressure the public dental service in Mayo is under has been revealed.

There are just 10 dentists on the medical card scheme to cater for over 50,000 patients, according to figures released by the HSE.

The breakdown works out at 5,514 patients per dentist.

A number of those dentists are at capacity and no longer taking on new patients, meaning medical card holders struggle to access care.

There is growing concern as medical card holders face significant difficulties finding available dental services within the county. The issue has left many residents in pain, languishing on waiting lists, and some contemplating seeking care abroad.

Councillor John O'Hara, who brought attention to the problem at a Health Forum West meeting, said: “There are people desperately seeking dental services who simply cannot access them. Dentists are reporting that all of their appointment lists are full, and they are unable to cope with the demand.”

The situation, he warned, has become dire.

“I've had numerous individuals approach me, explaining that they cannot afford private dental care. They possess a medical card and are entitled to receive a service, yet they are being denied.”

Some are resorting to seeking dental treatment abroad. “I know of a man who informed me that his flight to Turkey was filled with Irish people seeking dental, hair and cosmetic procedures. It is disheartening to think that our citizens are compelled to seek such services abroad,” said Councillor O'Hara.

The figures released by the HSE show there are 55,148 medical card holders in the county, with only 10 dentists available to serve them.

This translates to an overwhelming average of 5,514 patients per dentist in Mayo - an unsustainable figure, as emphasised by Councillor O'Hara.

An Irish Dental Association survey has revealed that 93% of dentists have expressed their unwillingness to sign up for the medical card contract in its current form, even with the promise of a new scheme. This overwhelming response indicates that the existing model is inadequate and has a direct impact on the most vulnerable members of society.