Back 4 Good has had a solid number of dentists seeking to return to Ireland after practicing in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. This trend reflects both personal and professional motivations, but it’s also a timely response to the acute dentist shortage here at home.
The dentist shortage in Ireland
Ireland currently faces a shortage of dental professionals, especially evident in public services. As of May 2025, there are approximately 2,420 active dentists—around 47 per 100,000 population—meaning each practitioner serves roughly 2,125 people . The number of dentists within the public dental service dropped dramatically: from 1,432 in 2012 to just 810 by 2024 . Meanwhile, waiting times for routine and emergency dental care continue to increase nationwide
Dental school capacity has stagnated for nearly 30 years, and despite growing demand from a rising and aging population, little has changed in training pipeline numbers . Consequently, severe staffing shortages persist—especially in underserved rural and public clinics—threatening equitable access to oral health services.
The problem of overseas-trained student leakage
Part of the issue stems from current dental education funding models. In UCC and Trinity, almost half of dental entrants are non‑EEA students, paying upwards of €45,000 annually. These students typically return to their home countries post-graduation, contributing little to the domestic workforce, while displacing Irish and EU applicants . The Irish Dental Association advocates capping non‑EEA intake at 20% (dropping to 10% in three years) and increasing Irish/EU graduate numbers to ensure retention locally .
Why returning dentists matter
Dentists returning from abroad will play a critical role:
- Plugging immediate gaps – Many are experienced professionals who can ease staffing pressures in clinics across Ireland, especially in primary and public care settings.
- Addressing rural inequality – Like in other countries, dental access in rural Ireland is notably worse than urban areas (). Returning professionals often fill roles in underserved locations.
3. Building resilience in the system – Seasoned dentists returning from places like Australia and the US bring best practices and international clinical expertise, enhancing overall care quality.
4. Easing public health strain – With the HSE dental service understaffed by 23% compared to 2009 , returning dentists provide capacity needed to reduce cancellation lists and meet growing demand.
The broader context and future direction
The governing issue is a structural imbalance: constrained training spots versus rising demand. Without increased state-funded graduate places and policy changes retaining domestic talent, the shortage will persist. While restricting non‑EEA intake may help, long-term solutions require government investment in dental school expansion and broader workforce planning .
Dentists returning via Back 4 Good are helping fill vital gaps—but their efforts highlight the larger need for systemic reform. Sustainable improvements hinge on expanded funded training, better rural distribution, and incentives for Irish and EU graduates to stay and work locally.
Our Back 4 Good movement underscores the urgency of strategic investment in Ireland’s dental workforce to ensure access and quality of care across all communities.
