More than 2,000 people on HSE waiting list for dental work in Cork and Kerry 

At the end of quarter one for 2026, a total of 2,059 people were on the HSE waiting list for dental and orthodontic treatment, including those awaiting braces and dental surgery, in the HSE region covering the counties of Cork and Kerry.

The figures, provided to Sinn Féin Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire following a PQ from the party’s health spokesperson David Cullinane, show that more than 1,676 people have been on the waiting list for more than a year.

The figures highlight that in the HSE South West region, 557 people have been on treatment waiting list for between 13-24 months, with 704 people on the treatment waiting list for 25-36 months.

A total of 210 people have been awaiting treatment waiting list for 37-48 months and 205 people are on the treatment waiting list for over 48 months.

The figures also show that nationally over 11,000 people, mainly children, are on waiting lists and with 8,000 waiting over a year, and 40% of children nationwide are waiting for braces for more than two years.

Major reform of dental care needed, says TD 

Mr Ó Laoghaire said the figures illustrate that major reform of dental care is required in this country. 

He is also calling for the public access dental treatment services scheme to be modernised and integrated with the GP visit card.

“Dental and oral health should be accessible to all on the basis of need, not ability to pay.

“The government must engage with dentists to deliver a fit-for-purpose, modern dental and orthodontic care model.”

In response to a query on the figures, a HSE spokesperson told The Echo: “HSE South West acknowledges that waiting times for dental services in the region are longer than either we, or the people waiting for services, would wish for, and we apologise to those waiting for a service.

“HSE South West is included in the national oral health office waiting list initiative, which allows access to private orthodontic providers.

“Unfortunately, the number of private providers available in Cork and Kerry to participate in the initiative is limited. We are currently working to maximise and increase access to this waiting list initiative.”

The spokesperson added: “In addition, we are working on several strategies to improve access, including validating waiting lists, streamlining processes and making the best possible use of clinician’s time.”