asked the Minister for Health the number of (a) children and (b) adults awaiting dental treatment at the clinic in Clonmel and other centres in South Tipperary; the ages of those concerned and the length of time each person has been awaiting treatment and the proposals to remedy the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South Tipperary Dental Services.
10.
The information requested is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report. As I have already stated on a number of occasions, I am preparing a comprehensive development programme for dental services in order to make treatment more readily available to eligible persons, including residents in the South Tipperary area.
Following is the statement:
|
Centre |
Children |
Adults |
||
|
Number |
Average Waiting Period |
Number |
Average Waiting Period |
|
|
Clonmel |
78 |
2 weeks |
117 (dentures) |
12 months |
|
104 (orthodontics) |
up to 4 years |
305 (fillings) |
16 months |
|
|
Tipperary |
240 |
8 months |
119 (dentures) |
10 months |
|
40 (extractions) |
2 weeks |
|||
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
138 |
4 weeks |
20 (dentures) |
3 months |
|
31 (general anaesthetic) |
3 months |
15 (extractions) |
2 weeks |
|
|
36 (fillings) |
6 months |
|||
|
Cashel |
84 |
3 weeks |
16 (dentures) |
3 months |
|
26 (general anaesthetic) |
12 months |
10 (extractions) |
2 weeks |
|
|
6 (general anaesthetic) |
12 months |
Notes:
1. It is not possible, from the records maintained by the health board, to state the precise ages of patients. The waiting list for orthodontics comprises children aged 4-12 years and others aged over 12 years whose need for treatment was noted while they were in the 4-12 age group. Otherwise, children, as recorded in the statement are those aged 4 to 12 years.
2. Orthodontic services for the area are provided in Clonmel. Children on the waiting list are called for treatment when their general dental condition warrants the commencement of orthodontic treatment.
3. Extractions are provided in Clonmel for adults without delay.