Figures released by the HSE to Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness confirm that staffing levels for children’s dental and orthodontic services in Waterford have halved over the past three years — falling from 2.8 whole-time equivalent (WTE) staff in 2022 to just 1.4 WTE in 2025.
Conor D. McGuinness TD received the data in response to parliamentary questions, and has described the drop in staffing as “a shocking failure of care for children in Waterford,” highlighting the absence of a senior dentist and the continued lack of a full-time specialist orthodontist working in the service.
He said the revelation must be seen in the context of huge delays for school based dental examinations and the difficulties medical card patients are experiencing in accessing dental care.
“The figures released by the HSE show a complete collapse in staffing for dental and orthodontic care in our local primary care services. In 2022, we had a combined 2.8 WTE staff made up of a senior dentist, specialist orthodontist, and consultant orthodontist. By 2025, that’s been slashed in half — just 1.4 WTE remain, and we’ve lost our only senior dentist.”
The specialist orthodontist post, which should be a full-time position, now stands at just 0.8 WTE — while the consultant orthodontist has remained part-time at 0.6 WTE for four consecutive years. This means there is no full-time orthodontic specialist operating within HSE dental services for children in Waterford.
“This is what failure looks like — the steady hollowing out of vital services for children, with no plan to replace the staff we’ve lost. It means longer delays, longer waiting lists, and more families forced to pay privately or go without,” said Deputy McGuinness.
He said the situation reflects a wider national neglect of community dental services under the current Government, with significant implications for children’s health and development.
“Sinn Féin has repeatedly called for investment in the public dental service, including a full workforce plan, funded training pathways, and localised recruitment to restore and expand services. We need a full-time orthodontist, a senior dentist in post, and a long-term plan to meet the needs of children in Waterford.”
Deputy McGuinness concluded by calling on the Minister for Health to urgently intervene.
“The Minister cannot ignore this any longer. We are now below safe and sustainable staffing levels. The children of Waterford deserve better — and they are being failed.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 