29% of Galway dentists leave scheme for medical card holders

Galway Bay fm newsroom - 29% of dentists in Galway have left the scheme for medical card holders.

A report compiled by the Irish Independent reveals 47 dental practices in Galway have left the scheme.

The figures show there are now just 750 private dentists nationwide signed up to treat medical card holders - one per 2,000 patients.

It comes as many are unhappy with fees cut during the recession which it's argued makes the service financially unviable.

It's reported dentists are also frustrated at the lack of clinical decision making power they are allowed and the range of treatments available under the scheme.

The scheme originates from the early 1990s.