'He's afraid to eat': Parents desperate as autistic boy faces years-long dental waiting list

Tiernan Murphy-Power, from Waterford, needs to have three teeth extracted, but his parents have been unable to find a dentist to carry out the work

Tiernan Power-Murphy with his parents Avril and Eamon at his home in Bunmahon, Co Waterford. Tiernan is on a 10-year waiting list to have teeth extracted. Picture: Dan Linehan

A six-year-old autistic boy faces delays of up to 10 years to have his teeth extracted despite being in so much pain he can hardly eat or sleep.

Tiernan Murphy-Power, from Waterford, first began having toothache in October. 

He needs to have three teeth extracted, but his parents have been unable to find a dentist to carry out the work despite desperate efforts.

“It’s horrendous,” his father Eamon Murphy said.

“The public dentist said it could be up to 10 years waiting. ‘You could be on the list for 10 years’ she said to us.” 

“We’re trying to help him, you’d do anything for him,” the frustrated father said. 

He’s the best in the world, usually the happiest little fellow. Now to see him like this, he’s not even eating properly.  He’s afraid to eat because it hurts to chew and sets him off again.

His mother Avril, a special needs assistant, usually supports Tiernan at school but is now at home with him. 

Eamon is a mechanic but has been unable to work properly since Tiernan began experiencing pain.

“I couldn’t leave Avril on her own with him,” he explained.

“I would go in and then get a phone call from her, and you could hear him screaming in pain on the phone. 

"He’s screaming and throwing himself to the ground, hitting himself, it’s horrible for him.” 

Avril, a special needs assistant, usually supports Tiernan at school but is now at home with him. Picture: Dan Linehan

The couple approached private dentists who either were unable to help or predicted a wait of at least six months.

The HSE dentist advised them to keep returning for antibiotics and pain relief.

“They’re not geared up for children with autism,” Eamon said.

“In the appointment, the poor child was putting his hands up to stop her looking in, they couldn’t cope, they’re not geared up for it.” 

The couple say they are frustrated to see government TDs preparing to visit America for St Patrick’s Day when autistic children are in crisis. 

“They’re all heading off for Paddy’s Day, it’s some country. I just can’t comprehend it or get my head around why no-one can help Tiernan,” Eamon said.

Eamon aired these problems also with Damien Tiernan on WLR FM.

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David Cullinane, Sinn Fein Health spokesman and Waterford TD has contacted HSE chief Bernard Gloster on behalf of the family.

“This is a horrible situation for the child and his family,” he said on Tuesday.

“It’s not unusual, I’ve come across this before. So obviously there is a long waiting list for orthodontic treatment anyway, but for children with autism it is more profound because they need general anaesthetic. 

"Sometimes it is done in hospitals so they need an operating theatre to do it.” 

He warned: “There are some severely autistic children where it is a nightmare for the parents and for the dentist to carry out what ordinarily would be routine treatment.” 

He has urged Mr Gloster to urgently find a solution, stressing the seriousness of the issue for Tiernan.

Tiernan's parents have approached private dentists who either were unable to help or predicted a wait of at least six months.Picture: Dan Linehan

A spokesman for the HSE Dublin and South-East health region said: “The HSE apologises to those affected by long waiting times for treatment, whilst it endeavours to provide the best service within resources available.” 

They cannot discuss individual cases, but he said they are aware of the situation facing Tiernan and are in contact with the family now.

The wait time for assessment with the regional orthodontic service for the South East is “currently under six months” he said. 

Patients are prioritised based on need.

“The current wait-time for orthodontic treatment following assessment for those classified as routine is approximately 84 months,” he said. 

This equals seven years.

Patients who need general anaesthetic can be referred to Cork University Dental Hospital. 

"The waiting list in this regard is approximately one year to 18 months, dependent on the dental treatment required,” he added.

A monthly clinic is also held in Kilkenny.

The Irish Dental Hygienists Association provides a leaflet for parents of children with autism. 

They advise while autism does not cause tooth decay, these children can face additional dental health challenges. 

Some medications may cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.