Seán Ryan
Question:45 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health the projects which have been undertaken by his Department regarding dental health education and dental health improvement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dental Health Programme.
It is important that dental health education for young people be seen in the context of a broad health education programme whereby the individual is encouraged to take responsibility for all aspects of his-her health. A general approach ensures that the many factors which contribute to the wellbeing of the individual can be taken into account and a well co-ordinated general approach ensures that certain health topics can be introduced in the young person's health career when they are most appropriate. This co-ordinated approach also ensures that the topic can be revisited at regular intervals throughout the career of the young person to ensure a consolidated message.
The health promotion unit of my Department have recently had detailed discussions with the Irish Dental Health Foundation regarding educational materials for young people. The unit will be contributing to the development of materials which employ a comic style approach to highlighting the importance for young people of a healthy dental and oral health regime. The comic style approach has been pilot tested and results show that this approach appeals to young people. The message is readily understood and easy to apply. The materials encourage a healthy diet to aid oral hygiene as well as the more traditional messages relating to brushing teeth on a regular basis.
Recently a number of health boards have developed sets of health education materials for use at primary school level. Within these materials which cover many aspects of health, personal growth and development, there is ample opportunity for the teacher to introduce aspects of dental health.
The Irish Dental Health Foundation, which receives support from my Department through the Eastern Health Board, also play a very significant role across a broad spectrum of educational activities directed at raising the level of public awareness to the value of good dental health. The role of the foundation embraces: oral health programmes development; public information services-publications; training and education for professionals and promotional activities.
In addition to educational programmes the fluoridation of public water supplies is a major element in my Department's preventative strategy in relation to dental health. There has been a major decline in the prevalence of caries in Irish schoolchildren since the introduction of the fluoridation programme.
Health boards also operate a fissure sealant programme as part of the school dental service. Fissure sealing is a technique used to seal vulnerable surfaces of teeth to prevent the onset of decay.