Following hot on the heels of Dr Martin Reed and Dr James Turner, a further fifty-six dentists are suing the HSE for breach of contract.

The dentists, represented by Eileen Barrington, told Ms Justice Mary Irvine in the High Court that many of their practices face closure before the end of the year if major cutbacks to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme are allowed to stand.

Twenty-five of the dentists are seeking interlocutory injunctions against the HSE.

Mark Connaughton SC, representing the HSE, said that while it was regrettable some dentists may be forced out of business between now and the December trial, their losses were capable of being measured in damages and no interlocutory restraints were required.

Judgment is expected next week.

Patrick Burke, of the HSE's primary care reimbursement service, said it was likely hundreds of further applications could be made by the 1,400 plus dentists participating in the scheme.