2,000 patients waiting more than three years for dental treatment

There are over 2,000 patients waiting at least three years for orthodontic dental treatment in Galway.

Figures released by the HSE at a Regional Health Forum West meeting reveal that 1,402 patients were on the dental treatment waiting list who have been deemed eligible for treatment. The waiting time for treatment is currently three-and-a-half years, according to the CEO of the Saolta group Tony Canavan.

A further 757 patients were awaiting assessment. These would all have an appointment by the end of July. The waiting time for the first assessment was currently three months.

In answer to questions tabled by Councillor Daithí Ó Cualáin, Breda Crehan-Roche, Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West revealed there was a Hospital Theatre Service for extractions for very young patients, complex patients and nervous patients.

“Currently 143 patients are waiting for this service, some for over two years. Theatre access was significantly reduced due to Covid– 19,” she stated.

Cllr Ó Cualáin (FF) said he had family members waiting for dental surgery at University Hospital Galway.

“The fact that there’s 143 nervous, young or complex cases waiting two years, that’s very concerning because of the pain involved…the figures are astounding.”

He said the HSE should look into the potential for some patients to be sent abroad or to Northern Ireland for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

The HSE also revealed there were 25 private dental practices in Galway and Connemara currently registered with the HSE to treat medical card holders.

Cllr Ó Cualáin, a nurse based in Connemara, said the small number of dentists accepting medical cards was worrying.

He pointed out that 47 per cent of dentists had recently left the scheme due to the bureaucracy involved.