Children in County Longford, Ireland have to wait up to two years to see dentist, it has been revealed.
Local newspaper the Longford Leader reported cutbacks in spending have led to growing waiting lists for children who need dental work in the county, a development which could see many having to resort to the services of an emergency dentist.
"With the waiting period extended from four months to two years, who knows what damage will be done to their teeth in the interim," Fine Gael’s deputy James Bannon told the publication.
Meanwhile, US newspaper the Richmond Register recently highlighted the fact that 40 per cent of children in Kentucky have never seen a dentist.
The newspaper claimed more needs to be done to educate parents about the need for good oral health and the long-term damage that can be caused through gum disease, cavities and a lack of regular dental check-ups.