Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Dental Services.

Noel Ahern

Question:

295 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on waiting lists in various health boards for routine dental treatment for those aged over 65; his views on delays, particularly in relation to the Eastern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14955/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

The provision of dental treatment to persons aged 65 years and over is the statutory responsibility of the health boards and the waiting lists for routine treatment are maintained by the boards.

I have been advised by the health boards that the position regarding waiting lists in the various health boards for routine dental treatment for those aged 65 years and over is as follows:

Health Board	Number of Persons aged 65 years and over currently on waiting list	Waiting Period for Authorisation by Health Board for treatment
Eastern	167 *	6 weeks
Midland	120	16 weeks
Mid-Western *	67	6 to 8 weeks
North-Eastern	–	All applications are processed within 30 days of receipt
North-Western *	103	2 to 8 weeks – Sligo/Leitrim 20 weeks – Donegal
South-Eastern	220	5 to 16 week
Southern	216	4 to 8 weeks
Western	–	No waiting period

*Position at 31/8/97.

The waiting period for authorisation varies depending on the level of uptake of the scheme. In a number of cases current waiting periods are excessive. However, health boards are endeavouring to ensure that all those applying for routine treatment are authorised to receive such treatment within a reasonable period of time.

Noel Ahern

Question:

296 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason dentures are only provided to medical card holders who have no natural teeth; and if he will withdraw this regulation in view of the fact that it is contrary to good dental practice and acts as an incentive to have extractions carried out. [14956/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

Under the dental treatment services scheme which was introduced by my Department on 1 November 1994, dental treatment will be extended to all adults with medical card eligibility on a phased basis.

Under phases 1 and 2 of the scheme the provision of full denture treatment has been extended to all edentulous (no natural teeth) adults.

The rate of edentulousness among medical card holders is high and this group was identified as a priority group in the initial phases of the scheme.

Routine dental treatment, which includes the provision of dentures to adults retaining some natural teeth has been extended to adults in the 16-34 age group and to adults aged 65 years and over.

I will extend routine dental treatment to the 35-64 age group according as additional resources become available.