Godfrey Timmins
Question:66 Mr. Timmons asked the Minister for Health if he will address the problem of the poor condition of dental health among handicapped children; and if he has any proposals in the matter.
Written Answers. - Handicapped Children's Dental Health.
Special emphasis is placed by health boards on the provision of dental services for handicapped children because of the clinical problems which can arise with this group. The target group includes children who live in residential care.
Most health boards have appointed a senior clinical dental surgeon to take specific responsibility for the handicapped on a health-board-wide basis.
Health boards through their senior clinical dental surgeons work in close co-operation with the consultant paediatric services at Cork Dental Hospital and School and the Dublin Dental Hospital and School.
Studies show that the dental health status of handicapped children is very similar to other children in the population. This reflects well on the health board services.