The Irish Dental Association (IDA) has warned that Ireland is facing an unprecedented crisis that poses a “grave threat to the nation’s oral health” after a survey published today outlined the scale of the crisis facing dentists in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Repeated representations to Government unanswered. IDA ‘cannot overstate the sense of despair and panic in the dental profession’. Many patients unable to access treatment. Government urged to consider ‘special kickstart package for dentistry’.

Access to centres cannot be restricted to medical card holders. Establishment of centres would mean dental teams could be redeployed in health service. IDA says use of aerosol-generating procedures pose an “unacceptable risk” and guidance on their use must change.

Universal concern over guidance given to dentists by HPSC. Unprecedented joint submission calls for update to guidance. Patients and dentists must be safeguarded during treatment. Vast majority of dental practices limited to emergency treatment or have closed.

Survey shows nearly one fifth (18%) of respondents have already closed practice in some form. Further 10% face practice closure within next fortnight. Over 40% already restricted to emergency treatment only. Nearly half of respondents estimate fall of at least 90% in practice income. Dental profession is ‘disintegrating before our eyes’. Dentists need ‘wide-ranging package of supports’ in order to survive.

Widespread closure of practices “inevitable” for the duration of the crisis. Concern at lack of clear guidelines being issued to dentists as to current situation.

Next Government must reset relations with dentists and abandon plans which will worsen oral health outcomes.

Proposed National Oral Health Policy will be a prime focus for dentists. Irish Dental Association to canvas political parties on key topics.

Opinion editorial article from Irish Examiner 9th December 2019

Issue is not a dispute over fees but a disagreement on the appropriate model to deliver dental services to children