asked the Minister for Health the number of school children awaiting free dental treatment in each of the health board areas; and the average length of time school children must wait before receiving free dental treatment in each of these areas.
Written Answers. - Dental Treatment.
469.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:—
|
Health Board |
Number Awaiting Treatment |
Waiting Period for Treatment |
|
Eastern |
Not available at present |
At least 2 months |
|
Midland |
Nil |
— |
|
Mid-Western |
3,259 |
Between 1 month and 6 months |
|
North Eastern |
3,280 |
9 months |
|
North Western |
8,975 |
Between 2 months and 18 months |
|
South Eastern |
12,332 |
Up to 2 years* |
|
Southern |
Nil |
— |
|
Western |
11,000 |
Between 12 months and 18 months |
*In the South Eastern Health Board area children in 6th class in primary schools are afforded priority and are generally given treatment within a few weeks of examination.
In the Midland and Southern Health Boards children's dental services are organised on a rotational basis between the schools and no waiting lists of individuals awaiting treatment are maintained.
In all health boards emergency treatment for the relief of pain is available on demand. The information relating to numbers awaiting treatment in the Eastern Health Board area will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.