There has been an almost 25% fall in the number of dentists claiming reimbursement through the Dental Treatment Services Scheme since December 2020.
The scheme provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders.
However, there has been concern for some time over its viability, with a growing number of dentists leaving the scheme.
The figures were provided to Sinn Féin, by the HSE, through written parliamentary questions.
Earlier this year, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced an expansion of services provided under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme, as well as an increase in fees payable to dentists.
Mr Donnelly also committed to a review of the scheme, amid concern that its viability is under threat.
However, such a review has yet to begin, and new figures show a continued fall in the number of dentists offering services through the scheme.
Back in December 2020, the HSE began to record the number of reimbursement claims from dentists each month.
Since that date, the number of claims has consistently fallen, representing a 25% decline overall.
The number of dentists taking out contracts under the scheme has also fallen by 23% since January 2019. The number of contracts fell from 1,489 to 1,146.
Sinn Féin's health spokesperson David Cullinane was provided the figures through written parliamentary questions.
He said that "in the absence of a new negotiated contract, as called for by the Irish Dental Association", more and more dentists will continue to opt out of the scheme.
The Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association has said that a new scheme is needed to bring Ireland in line with international standards.
Fintan Hourihane said that it was well past time a new scheme was introduced and dentists were frustrated at the delay in starting talks for a new scheme.
He said it was "impossible" to get an appointment and patients are travelling huge distances to find appointments.
Mr Hourihane said many are waiting long periods to see a dentist and cannot afford private care.
He said that there were more ministers in Greystones, Co Wicklow than there were dentists involved in the scheme.
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