The medical files of over 7,500 children are being reviewed over allegations their teeth were "damaged" by orthodontic services in Dublin.
According to the Irish Times, it's alleged children had braces left on for longer than intended leading to damage.
Other children allegedly suffered wires protruding into their gums while some had to get false teeth because excessive spaces were created when specialist appliances were left in place too long.
The HSE audit relates to some patients who received treatment between 1999 and 2002.
News of the review comes as the Department of Health prepares a long-delayed oral health policy this week. The plan is expected to propose rolling out free dental care to children from 2020, to include dental exams, fillings, emergency work, extractions and orthodontics.
However, dentists say there was no meaningful consultation with the profession in the drawing up of the plans and no talks have taken place about the provision of the proposed new services.
