There are only 5 dentists left in the Dental Treatment Service Scheme in Tuam

There are only 5 dentists left in the Tuam area operating under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme.

The figure was revealed to the HSE Health Forum West in response to a question from Councillor Donagh Killilea.

In recent years, the number of patients eligible for this program has dropped dramatically. Those who remain have little to no capacity for new patients.

It is a national crisis rather than a local one. The Irish Dental Association has previously warned that the Dental Treatment Services Scheme is on the verge of total collapse.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Killilea believes there is one specific measure that could help.