Waiting lists for HSE dental services for children are out of control in Galway which is putting their oral health at risk, according to a Galway city councillor.
Sinn Féin councillor Mairead Farrell said; “Children have a legal entitlement to dental to three routine dental screenings, however, figures revealed to me by the HSE have shown that in practice children in second and fourth class are not being provided with the necessary screening and checks. This means that a staggering 11,200 are waiting in excess of 52 weeks for an examination.
“This is completely unacceptable – the oral health of children in Galway is being threatened because the Government refuse to invest in the dental service here in Galway. For years the public dental service suffered huge cuts and a serious lack of resources is what is causing these huge waiting lists.
“We need to see targeted investment in the dental services across the State, but also here in Galway – our children and young people cannot be left behind.”
