Five years after the launch of Ireland’s ‘Smile agus Sláinte’ oral health policy, public dental services are still inadequate with over 13,000 awaiting surgery, according to the Irish Dental Association.

Five years on since the launch of the Irish Government’s ‘Smile agus Sláinte’ oral health policy, public dental services “remain is a state of decay”, according to the Irish Dental Association (IDA).

The claim came as the IDA launched a position paper¹, described as a roadmap for meeting the goals of the WHO global oral health strategy and identifying building blocks to deal with the crisis in access to dental care in Ireland. The paper also highlighted the need for legislation to prevent illegal dental practice.

On its launch, Smile agus Sláinte promised to facilitate better oral healthcare for everyone and support
the provision of all levels of care by appropriate healthcare professionals in the most suitable settings. It also promised to support patient choice and access to care and to introduce legislation to protect patients from illegal dentistry and unsafe care.

However, today the number of people awaiting public dental surgery is more than 13,000, including 4,342 children and special care patients.

“the number of people awaiting public dental surgery is more than 13,000, including 4,342 children and special care patients”

1. Towards Sustainable National Oral Health Services – An IDA Position Paper

Tags: health, IDA, Oral Health Strategy, policy, Public