New figures from the Department of Social Protection show that almost two million Irish people are entitled to a free dental examination under their PRSI dental benefit, but around one in seven do not avail of this service.

The Irish Dental Associaiton (IDA) has proposed a new tax voucher initiative to encourage people to take up the free dental exam option.

Only 298,000 people, or less than 15%, actually availed of the free annual examination in 2013, the IDA annual conference in Kilkenny was told.

New IDA President Peter Gannon said it was clear that more should be done to encourage people to avail of the examination they have in effect already paid for.

"New research shows that over half of the two million people who are entitled to a free dental exam are not aware of it. This is not surprising given that it is the single remaining benefit of the PRSI scheme and one the Department has never promoted it in any way" Dr Gannon said.

The previous Government removed the majority of PRSI dental treatment subsidies in 2010.

Mr Gannon said a worker who earns €50,000 a year pays €38.46 a week in PRSI, or €2,000 in a year.

"The very least people deserve for paying this tax is to receive their entitlements, and we are calling on the Government to facilitate that" Dr Gannon said.

He said it was estimated that four out of five Irish adults have some form of gum disease yet surveys show that 85% of the population believe they have healthy teeth and gums.

The IDA believes that if everyone who is entitled to an exam availed of it, the gum disease issue could be addressed.

"The Government has reneged on its promises to review the PRSI and Medical Card schemes. We are calling on the Government to re-introduce the treatments which were previously available under the scheme."

The IDA is proposing that in the interim, the Revenue Commissioners include a dental voucher with the P60 form which is sent out to every taxpayer via their employer every January. The Association says its proposed scheme is simple and cost effective.

Dr Gannon said as an interim measure, the voucher scheme would allow the Government to give something back to hard pressed taxpayers in a cost effective way. No expensive ad campaigns are involved.

"In one fell swoop every taxpayer - including over one million who aren't even aware of the benefit - will have a tangible voucher in their hand and this we feel will encourage much greater take up of the scheme."