Shortage of dental services ‘an increasing problem in Athlone’

The withdrawal of a significant number of dentists from a scheme to treat medical card patients is making it increasingly difficult for people in Athlone to access essential dental services, a local councillor has said.

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke tabled a motion about the issue at the June monthly meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District.

He said in recent months he had been receiving more and more calls from people who were having difficulty seeing a dentist.

"When I looked into it further, I discovered there's been a mass withdrawal of dentists from the HSE medical card holders system. Almost 400 dentists have withdrawn their services, one way or another, in the last three years," he said.

He said this had led to people of all ages being told certain dentists did not provide a service to medical card holders any longer.

"I've been called by people who are in quite a bit of distress. I know, speaking for myself, I go to the dentist when I'm in trouble," said Cllr O'Rourke.

"That's probably the case for most people, and the people that came to me had a dire need for a dental service. They were in pain and discomfort."

He gave an example of a woman who recently turned 80 and had tried "multiple dentists" in Athlone but couldn't get an appointment because she was told medical cards weren't being accepted any longer.

"She was told she might have to travel to get work carried out. She didn't have transport, she was in huge discomfort, and she was told to take Panadol," he said.

"Ultimately, that lady was seen in the primary care centre, but the primary care centre tell me they're overrun as well."

He suggested that a letter be sent from the Municipal District to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly "to make sure the Department of Health are aware of the seriousness of the situation" in Athlone.

Cllr O'Rourke said he wasn't aware of "the ins and outs" of dentists' contracts with the Department of Health or the HSE.

"What I am interested in is ensuring the people of Athlone - who have always been well cared for in the past with dental services - continue to be taken care of, and that they can call a dentist and be seen when they need that service. That seems to be not the case today."

The motion was supported by other councillors, with the new Mayor of the Athlone Moate District, Cllr Vinny McCormack, suggesting that letters be written to both the Minister for Health and the HSE's community health organisation, CHO8, which takes in Westmeath.

Cllr Frankie Keena agreed this was a pressing issue, and said that personally he had tried to make an appointment for a dental issue recently but had not received a call back.

He said there was also growing pressure on GP services in the area, and that this might be raised with the Minister also.

Cllr Tom Farrell said he and Cllr Keena would bring a joint motion to the next meeting of the HSE's regional health forum in relation to dental services and GP services locally.

It was also agreed that separate letters would be written from the Municipal District to the HSE and Minister for Health about the difficulties accessing dental and GP services here.