Limited access to special needs dentists regularly leaving patients in pain

In January, the Irish Examiner reported there were just nine senior public dentist roles across Cork and Kerry.

Vulnerable patients, including autistic children, are regularly being “left in pain” due to limited access to special needs dentists, the Irish Society for Disability and Oral Health (ISDH) president has warned.

“It’s just so unfair, they’re the most vulnerable people in our society and they’re being left in the cold, in pain with no access to treatment," Dr Gillian Smith said.