Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dental Health Scheme.

Séamus Pattison

Question:

54 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Health if the dental health scheme which treated schools throughout the country is still in operation; if not, whether parents and children have to queue at dental clinics for a dental checkup and oral hygiene education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

58 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to the criticism of the public dental service made by the Health Board Dental Surgeons Group and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Donal Carey

Question:

104 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health if the programme for dental care operated through the national school network is coping with demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 58 and 104 together.

I am aware of the criticism of the health board dental service made by the Health Board Dental Surgeons Group of the Irish Dental Association which I believe to be unwarranted.

In 1990, an additional special allocation of £3 million was made to the health board services, specifically to bring about an improvement in the adult dental services and in orthodontic services for children. About 24,000 adults benefited from the improved availability of routine dental treatments bringing to nearly 42,000 the number of adults who received routine courses of dental treatment during 1990 while a further 34,000 adults received emergency treatments.

Two and a half thousand children began their courses of secondary orthodontic care in 1990 as a result of the special budget funding. All of the health boards have been asked to carry out reviews of their orthodontic waiting lists in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. I believe that it is essential that the vacant posts of consultant orthodontist be filled if we are to develop an efficient orthodontic service and therefore these posts will be advertised again shortly with revised conditions of service.

I am pleased that most health boards have now adopted a school based system for the delivery of dental services to schoolchildren. This approach aims to examine all children in specific classes and to provide treatments if necessary. The classes chosen are usually first or second and sixth standards. These classes were chosen with preventive treatments in mind and to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. All children can avail of an emergency service, which is usually available on demand. In 1990, over 180,000 children received routine courses of dental treatment while a further 75,000 children received emergency care.

A further special allocation has been made available for the dental services in 1991 and I am confident that the improvements achieved in 1990 will be sustained this year.