Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 7

Written Answers. - Dental Care Entitlement for Children.

Thomas Foxe

Question:

65 Mr. Foxe asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the criteria under which (a) national school-going children and (b) second level school-going children are entitled to dental care; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Under the 1970 Health Act, national school-going children are entitled to free dental treatment in respect of defects noted at health board dental examinations.

Most health boards have now adopted a school based system for the delivery of dental services to school children. This approach aims to examine all children in specific classes and to provide treatment, if necessary. The classes chosen are usually first or second class and sixth class. These classes are chosen with preventive measures in mind and to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. All eligible children can avail of an emergency service which is available on demand.

Second level school pupils, as a group, do not qualify for free dental services under the Act. However, at present eligibility is extended to children in this group in the following circumstances: if they require treatment in respect of dental defects detected at child health examinations while still at national school; if they are dependants of persons with full eligibility; and if they are dependants of persons who are judged by the chief executive of the health board to be unable to provide a specific service for themselves or their dependants without undue hardship.

Priority is given to the school based service by all of the health boards. In a small number of areas, particularly in Roscommon and Mayo, the service had been restricted up to the recent past because of a shortage of manpower. The position in these areas is now improving and new dentists have been appointed to serve both counties.