Less than 700 dentists are participating in the scheme.
The Irish Dental Association says if the medical card scheme isn't reformed, even more dentists will withdraw their services.
Dentists are calling on the government to introduce sweeping reforms before they reach "crisis point".
They say there are less than 700 dentists now participating in the scheme, meaning one dentist has to cover about 2,000 medical card patients.
The Association, which is holding its AGM in Galway today, also claims recruitment and retention is at an all time low, with only 35 percent of dental graduates practicing in Ireland.
Chief Executive, Fintan Hourihan, says patients should be given a voucher to see their dentist:

Outbreak Of Bird Flu Has Been Confirmed In Carlow Turkey Flock
Lidl To Open Country’s First Net Zero Energy Store In Maynooth This Thursday
Contract For Maynooth Eastern Ring Road Project Awarded To Company Based In Kilcullen
Policy Shift Allows Private Sector To Construct Wastewater Plants For New Housing
Parents Invited To Take Part In Major Survey On Primary Education’s Future
New "Affordable" Naas Homes Cost More Than Families Are Allowed To Borrow From Council
Minister Lawless Sought Legal Advice Over Claims Apprentice Electricians Bought Exam Papers For €50
CAB: €17m Recovered And 20 Properties Seized, Including Former Saggart Home Of Daniel Kinahan