A local TD firmly believes that solutions can be found when it comes to tackling the collapse of school dental screening services.
In Co Monaghan half of children aren't receiving their entitled dental checks on time according to the Irish Dental Association.
Children are supposed to be seen at age eight in first or second class, however in Co Monaghan half of them are not being seen until second year of secondary school which is having a negative impact on oral health.
According to Cathy Bennett, something radical must be changed urgently to prevent children having dental decay.
Despite the current situation, Deputy Bennett says her party Sinn Fein can offer "solutions" to this crisis, and would implement such changes if in Government.
Deputy Bennett says dental schools should be given more funding and there should be more dental school places available for students.
Deputy Bennett continued: "Retention of staff has been an issue due to 50%+ students in the Dental Schools in Dublin and Cork coming from outside the EU. Once they complete their training, they leave the country.
There should be a cap of 20% introduced for students outside the EU.
The reason Dental Schools are accepting so many non-EU students is because they are paying fees in excess of €50,000.
While a new Dental School opened last week in Dublin, there were 1000 applications for the 20 places available. There is a need to increase places."
