Vol. 430 No. 2
293 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which health service facilities such as health centres, dental including orthodontic facilities are available throughout the Eastern Health Board area; his plans, if any, to improve such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Eastern Health Board has some 120 dental surgeries in its health centres throughout its area. These provide dental services for their catchment areas.
Most of the surgeries are of modern design having been provided in recent times. All are fitted with the most modern equipment available. All surgeries are up-dated and equipment replaced on a regular planned basis, or as required. There are a number of surgeries which are specially equipped for the provision of orthodontic services and the Board have proposals to extend these further.
All plans for new health centres include provision for additional dental facilities.
There are 8 Principal Dental Surgeons who head the teams which provide services within geographic regions covering the whole of the Board's area. The Board employs some 120 dentists with ancillary staff. The Board also makes use of the services of a number of private dentists, from time to time, as necessary, to provide services for adults.
