Less than 700 dentists are participating in the scheme.
The Irish Dental Association says if the medical card scheme isn't reformed, even more dentists will withdraw their services.
Dentists are calling on the government to introduce sweeping reforms before they reach "crisis point".
They say there are less than 700 dentists now participating in the scheme, meaning one dentist has to cover about 2,000 medical card patients.
The Association, which is holding its AGM in Galway today, also claims recruitment and retention is at an all time low, with only 35 percent of dental graduates practicing in Ireland.
Chief Executive, Fintan Hourihan, says patients should be given a voucher to see their dentist:

Man In His 40s Dies After Hit-And-Run In Kildare
HSE Say Some Records Accessed During Cyber Attacks
Jozek Puska Abandons Murder Conviction Appeal
Maynooth University Hosting European University Initiative Forum As Part Of EU Presidency
Gardaí Seize €2M Of Cannabis-Infused Products In Five Counties
Dublin Man Sentenced To 14 Years In Hungarian Prison For Murder Of American Woman
Man Lay On Street For Two Hours With Serious Head Injuries After Alleged Assault In Dublin, Court Hears
Rate Of Inflation Down Slightly In June