Less than half of eligible children seen on schedule under State's school dental plan

In a bid to plug some of the gaps, the HSE is employing private dentists in Kerry to treat medical card patients. Picture: iStock

Less than half of children who qualify for screening and treatment under the State's school dental programme are being seen on schedule.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) has warned there are not enough dentists to ensure schoolchildren are screened when required, which has led to a severe decline in dental health in many cases.