asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the South Eastern Health Board advised a person in County Wexford (details supplied) that she would not qualify for dental treatment now or within the foreseeable future due to a staff shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Services.
13.
As has been previously explained, the operation of the public dental service depends largely on the employment of whole-time dental officers. While there has been a considerable improvement in recent years in the recruitment of whole-time dental staff for this service and while this improvement is continuing, the South Eastern Health Board, like the other health boards, is not yet in a position to provide a full range of dental treatment for all eligible classes. Consequently, the boards are continuing the policy laid down by previous Ministers whereby they concentrate on providing services for children referred under the Child Health Services, expectant and nursing mothers and other adults with medical cards who require dental treatment for urgent medical reasons. In these circumstances, only a very restricted service is available to other medical card holders at present.