asked the Minister for Health the cause of the long delay in supplying dentures in County Waterford; and when it is expected that outstanding applicants will be supplied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Dentures.
6.
I am informed that there is delay in supplying dentures to some applicants in the Waterford Health Authority area, more particularly in the city portion of the area. This is due to the fact that in accordance with accepted policy the services of the dentists are concentrated mainly on the provision of services for children and that until recently the full approved complement of dental staff was not available to the health authority.
Four dentists are now employed wholetime by the health authority and in addition a post of senior dental surgeon is being filled through the Local Appointments Commission. It is expected that when this latter post is filled in the near future the delay in the supply of dentures will be considerably reduced.