asked the Minister for Health the number of applicants for dental treatment covered by medical cards in County Mayo, the average waiting period for such treatment and the position in relation to the employment of further dental surgeons to ease the present backlog.
Written Answers. - Mayo Dental Treatment Applicants.
116.
The number of applicants awaiting dental treatment in County Mayo under the medical card scheme is approximately 4,500. The average waiting period is in excess of two years. However, persons in need of urgent treatment receive it with minimal delay.
I have no proposals before me to increase the number of whole-time dentists employed by the Western Health Board in Mayo. However, as I have already stated on a number of occasions, I am engaged on a comprehensive review of dental services with a view to making them more readily available to eligible persons. I hope to be in a position to announce my development programme in the near future.