More than 1,500 children waiting for dental extractions

The HSE said that Covid-19 has had an "adverse effect on waiting lists and times". File picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire

More than 1,500 children are now waiting for dental extractions under general anaesthetic, new figures reveal.

The HSE had hoped to carry out 153,516 scheduled dental and orthodontic assessments in 2020. However, this is down 65% after services shut at the beginning of the pandemic.