According to the HSE, there is the equivalent of 1.4 public health dentists in County Monaghan and 2.6 in Cavan.
In a response to a request for information from Northern Sound, the HSE said the nationwide recruitment freeze does not include dentists but instead blames "staff retirements, maternity leaves, and the shortage of dentists available nationally" for the shortage of dentists in the Northern Sound Region. A HSE statement says they are currently "in the process of recruiting additional staff for the Cavan Monaghan Dental Service." In the meantime, only sixth class pupils are being seen in the school-linked dental service.
Independent Councillor Paudge Connolly said the HSE's response does nothing to alleviate the dentist waiting lists in Monaghan:
