The 2019 annual report of the Dental Complaints Resolution Service has been published. The Service handled its 1,000th complaint in 2020 and has established itself as an essential service for dentists and patients since it commenced in 2012. The Services offers a free, voluntary, quick, and informal service to assist in the resolution of complaints that cannot be resolved directly between dentists and patients.

Dental care remains an essential service as designated by the Government and therefore dental clinics will remain open to provide care during the current Level 5 restrictions. Patients and staff are entitled to travel more than 5km from home to see the dentist / attend for duty.

‘Oral health is an essential part of a person’s overall health’. IDA launches pre-Budget submission today (Monday). 22% fall in dentists providing medical card treatment over five years, affecting 300,000 patients. Up to 40% of public service dentists redeployed for testing and contact tracing for Covid-19 – and not replaced.

Kilkenny native Dr. Anne O’Neill has been appointed as the Irish Dental Association (IDA) President, following the Association’s AGM today. Dr. O’Neill is Assistant National Oral Health Lead in the HSE’s National Oral Health Office, working in the areas of Dental ICT, Epidemiology and Dental Public Health.

Up to 40% of public service dentists have been assigned to Covid-19 testing and contact tracing, and have not been replaced. Detailed resourcing plan needed urgently.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Irish Dental Association will take place on Saturday, September 26th commencing at 10.30am.

IDA stresses that dental practices are safe for patients to attend. Check-ups can spot issues that have developed over the summer such as plaque and tooth decay.

No change required to guidance for dentists

Warning that medical card holders are facing increased delays for dental treatment as dentists are resigning from Dental Treatment Services Scheme for Medical Card Holders

Government has not followed through on PPE promises made six weeks ago. Inexplicable delay means dentists left to review viability of their practices and medical card scheme participation. ‘This is devastating for dental practices and for patients around the country’.