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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dental Services.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

38 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent report drawn up by the Eastern Health Board on the state of dental services in its area which shows that dental services are in a virtual state of collapse; the steps he intends to take to deal with this situation; if it is intended to implement the changes recommended in the report, especially in relation to the appointment of additional full-time dentists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mervyn Taylor

Question:

94 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Health, in respect of the Eastern Health Board, the estimated number of persons who have been on waiting lists for dental treatment for more than one year; the steps he is taking to reduce the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 38 and 94 together.

The Eastern Health Board, in common with the other health boards enjoys a high degree of autonomy with regard to the organisation and delivery of health services, including dental services. This autonomy derives from the provisions of the 1970 Health Act.

The Eastern Health Board commissioned the report referred to by Deputy De Rossa in light of some difficulties being experienced by the health board and in light of the recommendations of the working group which I established to review the delivery of dental service.

The recommendations of the report were adopted by the Eastern Health Board and an overall strategy to implement those proposals has been developed. A number of pilot projects have begun in specific areas. The report commented on the large number of dental surgeon posts which were filled by temporary appointments. The Local Appointments Commission has organised competitions from which many of the posts have now been filled by permanent appointments. Further appointments are expected while the health board is also seeking the services on a temporary basis of a number of dental surgeons and auxiliaries to participate in the special pilot projects.

At present it is estimated that there are about 11,000 adults and adolescents awaiting dental treatment from the Eastern Health Board for a year or more. The board screens applications for routine dental treatment and priority is given to particular groups such as pregnant and nursing women and the elderly whose names are placed on a special list for which the waiting time is currently about 10 months. The health board are actively taking steps to improve their services for all adult groups through further involvement of private dental practitioners. In addition, I am currently arranging with the health boards to improve the dental services to alleviate the long waiting times for routine dental services for eligible adults and adolescents.
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