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: