Dr. Peter Gannon:

Various types of model exist. We tend to look to Europe in the main because it seems to provide the best access to the most people. Generally the European model provides state support for those who need it and people pay more of the cost of their dental care as their means allow. This is backed up by a public dental service that tends to look after certain age groups, such as children, and special needs groups.

We operated a similar system in Ireland until the cuts were introduced several years ago. I have found that many people tend to come to my practice less often now that the supports are no longer being offered. The schemes that were formerly in place focused on fairly simple preventive treatments, such as cleaning teeth and fillings. Despite all the talk of complicated dental treatments, implants and root canal treatments, these aforementioned treatments comprise more than 95% of my work. I know the patients who take fantastic care of their teeth and young people and teenagers will never need complicated or expensive treatment. That is where people are saving money. By offering regular simple treatments we can send a personal message to people in terms of showing them where they may be missing out in cleaning their teeth and pointing out their particular problems. They are more likely to take on board a personal message than the general message about not eating sweets and brushing teeth.

In regard to the cost of reintroducing scaling and polishing, the cost for the last year in which these treatments were allowed under the general medical card scheme was in the region of €5 million. That is the most simple preventive treatment we carry out but it makes a big difference to individuals' gum health in the long term. The prevention of gum disease leads to fewer extractions and dentures down the line. People are inclined to attend for such treatments because they do not mind getting their teeth cleaned, which allows us to impart a personal message. If they come regularly they are more inclined to take better care of their teeth. If they know they are going to see the dentist in a month's time they are inclined to clean their teeth properly.