Last week’s increase in fees and expansion of treatments under the DTSS (medical card scheme) will do little to address the fundamental issues that have forced dentists to withdraw from the scheme en masse, says Dr Will Rymer, chair of the Association’s General Practitioner Committee.

Independently commissioned research paper by Professor of Health Economics at Queens University Belfast, Professor Ciaran O’Neill, says a ‘credit or voucher’ scheme would “remove perversities in the current system and help rebuild relations between the public, providers, and Government.”

Dr Colm O’Loghlen of Bridge Street Dental Practice, Tralee, Co Kerry wins Munster Caring Dentist award, as well as overall Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year title. Dr O’Loghlen was recognised for the care he provided to a traumatised teenager out-of-hours after the teen lost his two front teeth in a fall. The teen’s mother said: “Dr O’Loghlen has not only helped to restore my son’s teeth, but he has restored his confidence too.” Ballina Dental Practice win Colgate Caring Dental Team of the Year. Dr Clodagh McAllister, President of the Irish Dental Association: “What makes these awards so special is that it is patients sharing their personal stories, shining a spotlight on the incredible commitment and care that dentists are providing every day in the communities that they serve.”

Without meaningful reform, improved access to dental care is doomed to fail. Investment without reform will not improve access to dental care for medical card patients and will do nothing to arrest exodus of dentists from scheme. Reaction to Budget 2022 from Fintan Hourihan, Chief Executive, Irish Dental Association

The Irish Dental Association has a proud record of delivering for our members in providing advice, offering representation and lobbying vigorously on our members' behalf.

Dublin-based general practitioner Dr Clodagh McAllister appointed President of the Association at its AGM on Saturday May 8th.

Irish Dental Association AGM taking place today (Saturday). Outdated medical card scheme ‘widening the gap’ between those who can afford private dental care and those who cannot. Redeployment of public sector dentists to vaccination rollout is causing ‘irreparable damage’ among children in particular.

• IDA AGM taking place this Saturday (May 8th) • Successful resolution of collective bargaining issue a pre-condition for discussions on dental reform • ‘The State’s scheme for medical card holders is in a death spiral which highlights the urgent need for agreed way to engage dentists’

IDA to address Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on medical card scheme today. Current failings of medical card scheme have led to ‘lifetime of embarrassment, decreased nutrition and loss of wellbeing’ for patients.

Funding drops of up to 48% for dental medical card scheme recorded in just three years. Medical card scheme in ‘complete chaos’. ‘The general approach of the Department of Health suggests a level of disrespect, if not contempt, for medical card patients’.