Ireland's public dental system has 'collapsed', according to a group of Independent TDs.
The Regional Group is bringing a motion before the Dáil later, urging the Government to take immediate action.
It says underpayment has led to an exodus of dentists from the medical card scheme, leading to unacceptable delays.
Many children in Ireland are waiting 13 years to see a dentist, the group says.
It says many children are no longer receiving any dental checks in primary school.
Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten said people simply cannot get appointments.
"I've one medical card patient who contacted me this week - who contacted every dentist in Co Roscommon, Co Mayo and Co Leitrim.
"[She] couldn't get anyone to do dental work for her under the medical card scheme.
"The whole system right across the board is collapsing."
Deputy Naughten said there are several things that need to be looked at.
"What we want to see is a review of the contact that is there with dentists across the country.
"We need to support investment in addressing staff shortages right across the dental sector.
"We need to provide training for pediatric dental services, and we want to see the Dental Tax Relief Scheme increased and expanded", he added.
