asked the Minister for Health the plans his Department have for the improvement of the school dental services.
Written Answers. - School Dental Services.
9.
School dental services have improved steadily during recent years with the appointment of extra public dental officers by health boards. There were 141 public dental officers in 1972; the present number is 184, an increase of 43.
Under the job creation programme provided for in the recent budget I have authorised to date the creation of 29 additional posts of dentist as well as 30 additional posts of dental surgery assistant. These additional posts when filled will give a total of 213 dental officers. These additional posts should give added impetus to the improvement of school dental services which are kept under constant review to see how improvements can be effected in the light of staffing resources available.