According to a Behaviour and Attitudes survery, a third of respondents say they visit the dentist less often due to cutbacks to the medical card and PRSI dental schemes.
Just emergency cover is provided under the Medical Card, while PRSI contributors are only entitled to one free dental check up annually.
The survey also found that nearly 80% of dentists say they've seen an increase in the number of patients presenting with pain, while 93% have noted a rise in extractions.
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Dr Peter Gannon from the Irish Dentist Association - says many people don't know what they're entitled to:
