It has emerged fewer than half of those entitled to screening and treatment get an appointment on time.
Dentists are warning there can be a long term impact when children miss out on early dental screening appointments.
It has emerged fewer than half of those entitled to screening and treatment get an appointment on time.
The school dental programme aims to offer three appointments before the age of 12.
However, a shortage of dentists means many have to wait longer to be seen.
Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association, Fintan Hourihan, says that can be problematic:

                                        
            CCPC Issues Open Letter To Traders Amid Surge In Complaints Over Home Building And Improvement Jobs
        
            Pizza Vending Machine In Naas Forced To Close Over Anti-Social Activity And Alleged Drug Dealing
        
            BREAKING: DJ Carey Jailed For Five-And-A-Half Years
        
            Kildare Superintendent Among Officers Promoted As Part Of Senior Garda Operational Reassignments
        
            BREAKING: Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder Following Death Of Ryan Weir Gibbons In Kildare Town
        
            "Hope At Last" - Horsepasstown Residents May Soon  See End To Six-Year Boil Water Struggle
        
            Kildare Among Worst-Hit Counties As Teacher Shortages Hit Special And Disadvantaged Schools
        
            Focus Ireland Founder Sr Stan Dies Aged 86