asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the inconvenience caused to patients by the long waiting list for treatment and supply of dentures at the Dental Hospital, Dublin, he will state what steps will be taken to improve the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Dentures.
80.
I presume the Deputy's question relates to the services provided at the Dublin Dental Hospital for adult patients eligible for services from the Dublin Health Authority.
I am informed that there is usually no delay in dealing with those patients who require extractions and that the waiting period for other forms of treatment is brief, except in the case of dentures where the waiting time may be as long as 12 months. As the hospital's primary function is to train students in dentistry, the extent of the denture services it can provide for patients sent by the Dublin Health Authority is limited by the necessity to provide an adequate range of treatments in which students can be instructed.
I have received no proposals from the Dublin Health Authority to supplement the denture services provided by the Dental Hospital for eligible adults.