A midlands councillor says he's been contacted by people who've been left in extreme pain with limited options.
Renewed concerns are being raised about the lack of dental practices accepting medical cards in the midlands.
Westmeath councillor Aengus O'Rourke is the latest to add his voice to the calls for a widespread problem in dental care to be addressed.
The Fianna Fáil rep says he's been contacted by Athlone residents who've been left in extreme pain with limited options.
He says that many patients have to travel further afield to get help after struggling to find a dentist that uses the state scheme locally.
Councillor O'Rourke says it's a problem exists across the country, not just in the midlands: