Dental scheme for medical card holders 'in a state of crisis'

The scheme's lack of preventive options 'perpetuates inequality and results in higher long-term costs for the State', says Irish Dental Association chief executive Fintan Hourihan.

The dental scheme which provides care for the country's medical card holders is "in a state of crisis", and its decline will only worsen without meaningful reforms, the Oireachtas health committee will be told today.

Irish Dental Association (IDA) chief executive Fintan Hourihan will also outline the urgent need for investment in workforce and training reforms and for the rejuvenation of school screening services.