COVID-19 – half of adults in Ireland have delayed dental appointments

More than 50% of adults in Ireland delayed dental check-ups over the last 12 months, it has been revealed.

This is according to new research carried out for Seapoint Clinic in Dublin by Opinions Market Research.

According to Extra.ie, 51% of Irish adults have avoided dental appointments following the onset of the pandemic.

The research found that women were more likely to have delayed a dental visit (54%). Similar results were found among those aged 25 to 34, with a rate of 56%.

Backlog of children

This comes as thousands of young people are revealed to be stuck on dental waiting lists in Cork.

Revealed under the Freedom of Information Act, data shows a backlog of around 7,000 sixth class children as part of the school dental scheme.

This is according to data reported by Echo Live.

Additionally, there is a significant waiting list of young people who are in need of treatment such as extractions.

There is also around 130 children with additional needs waiting for ‘comprehensive care’.

Spending drop

Additionally, the profession has urged the government to following fears that dentistry is in disarray.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) argued that dental treatment for medical card holders in Ireland is inadequate.

Stats show that state spending on medical card dental care fell by almost one third between 2017 and 2020. This signals a drop from €5.5 million to €3.8 million.