Cuts will set back services by decades, say dentists

DENTISTS have warned that proposed Government cutbacks for treatment of medical card holders will set back dental services by decades, with almost half a million less procedures being carried out this year.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) has expressed concern that thousands of patients will be denied vital dental treatment as a result of measures proposed by the Health Service Executive.

The IDA estimates the cuts will see over 468,000 fewer dental procedures being carried out on medical card holders in 2010.