Children’s public dental services in the spotlight
The Ombudsman for Children’s Office has published Behind Every Smile, a report highlighting the ongoing crisis in children’s public dental services in Ireland, including lengthy waiting lists, gaps in school-based screening and inequalities in access to care. The report makes ten recommendations aimed at improving children’s access to timely dental and orthodontic treatment.
Dental Health Foundation Ireland CEO Orlaith Kennedy has also responded to the report in a letter published in The Irish Times, welcoming the focus on the experiences of children and families while highlighting the importance of putting prevention and early-years oral health at the heart of the response. We are sharing both the Ombudsman’s report and Orlaith’s letter below.
