Dentists are reporting an almost 40 per cent increase in the numbers of patients requiring hospitalisation due to oral infections.
The surge in serious cases is being described as extremely worrying by the Irish Dental Association.
The body says the cut to PRSI dental benefits has resulted in patients being unable to afford a trip to their dentist and becoming very unwell as a result.
Chief Executive Fintan Hourihan says the rise in admissions is accelerating at a remarkable rate:
