Chief executive of the Irish Dental Association is calling on government action.
Understaffing in the public dental service is causing a backlog of almost 10 years.
The Irish Dental Association says primary school children should be having check-ups in second, fourth and sixth class.
However, the strain on the system means some children are not receiving an initial check-up until they are 16 years of age.
Chief executive of the Irish Dental Association, Fintan Hourihan, says the government needs to act:
The Irish Dental Association is hosting a Seminar for HSE Dental Surgeons today and tomorrow in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.