Over 70s should be entitled to essential dental treatment, including dentures, whether or not they have a medical card, the Irish Dental Association (IDA) has said.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the IDA in Kilkenny, Dr Helen Walsh said that no elderly patient should suffer with dental problems in this day and age simply because they had lost their right to a medical card.

“We’re calling on the Government to ensure that whether people over 70 have a medical card or not, they should not lose their entitlement to dental care,” she said.

According to Dr Walsh, many people who would benefit hugely from dentures will not proceed with dental treatment if they have to pay for it, especially in these difficult economic times. It can have a hugely detrimental effect on their general health, self-esteem and confidence, she said.