爱尔兰的公共牙科系统处于危机之中,等待时间长,人员严重短缺,特别是对残疾儿童而言。 Ireland’s public dental system is in crisis, with long waits and severe staffing shortages, especially for children with disabilities.

截至2026年1月7日,爱尔兰的公共牙科系统面临严重危机,在科尔克和克里各地只有九个高级公共牙医职位,供残疾儿童和其他弱势群体使用。 As of January 7, 2026, Ireland’s public dental system faces a severe crisis, with only nine senior public dentist positions across Cork and Kerry for children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. 全国有超过104,000名儿童在公共牙科等待名单上，其中包括科克正畸治疗的六年等待。 Over 104,000 children nationwide are on public dental waiting lists, including a six-year wait for orthodontic treatment in Cork. 出现短缺的原因是,自2012年以来,牙科治疗服务计划下降640个,工作人员持续不足,儿科专业知识有限。 The shortage stems from a 640-dentist decline in the Dental Treatment Services Scheme since 2012, persistent staffing gaps, and limited pediatric expertise. 尽管政府认捐,但用于专门护理的资金仍然不足,许多私人牙医拒绝加入拟议的扩大计划。 Despite government pledges, funding for specialized care remains inadequate, and many private dentists refuse to join proposed expansion plans. 立法者和保健倡导者警告不平等情况恶化,呼吁紧急征聘、培训和系统改革,以确保获得基本的牙科护理。 Lawmakers and health advocates warn of worsening inequities, calling for urgent recruitment, training, and system reform to ensure access to essential dental care.