Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has sharply criticised the government over what he describes as “scandalous” delays in accessing public orthodontic treatment, warning that thousands of patients are now enduring extended waits for essential care.
Speaking after a meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, the Waterford TD highlighted pressures within dental and orthodontic services nationwide.
Released figures revealed that more than 11,000 people nationwide requiring urgent orthodontic treatment remain on waiting lists, with around 70% of which waiting longer than 12 months.
According to Deputy Cullinane, the situation in the South East is even more alarming.
Regional figures show 2,281 people are currently on orthodontic waiting lists, with 1,837, 80% waiting more than a year for treatment.
He emphasised that the region is over-represented, with 1 in 5 of all severe cases nationwide coming from the South East, despite a much smaller share of the population.
The Sinn Fein TD argued that the delays stem from shortages of public-sector orthodontists, dentists, dental nurses, and support staff, saying this is directly restricting access to care across the State.
The TD repeated his call for a “new, ambitious strategic plan” for Irish dental and orthodontic services, insisting that the government has failed to respond with the urgency or ambition required to address the ongoing crisis.
Deputy Cullinane warned that without such measures, already severe waiting times will continue to worsen, leaving thousands of patients in prolonged discomfort or pain.
“The level of ambition needed from government simply hasn’t been there,” he said, adding that the lack of strategic planning is “exacerbating severe waits for dental and orthodontic care.”
