The Irish Dental Association’s Pre-Budget submission is calling for urgent action to address significant pressures within Ireland’s dental system, including gaps in access to care, workforce shortages, and limited service capacity.

We are highlighting the need to modernise outdated legislation, tackle an estimated €800 million funding shortfall, and recruit at least 500 additional dentists to meet growing demand. Our proposals focus on improving tax relief for dental treatments, increasing investment in public services—particularly for children and vulnerable groups—and introducing targeted measures to support recruitment, training and retention.

Ultimately, we are advocating for sustained, multi-annual government funding to deliver a more accessible, equitable and prevention-focused oral healthcare system in Ireland.