Under the provisions of the dental treatment services scheme medical card holders are entitled to resort to a dentist of their choice for treatment provided the dentist in question is contracted to the relevant health board. This very effective scheme was introduced in 1994, the intention being then to implement it on a phased basis, but confined initially to those aged over 65 who receive treatments for fillings and partial dentures, crowns and bridges being excluded.
The provisions of the scheme were extended in June 1996 to patients in the 16 to 34 year old category. However, the 35 to 64 year old category, comprising some 30 per cent of the population, remains excluded. There is no medical or dental reason for their exclusion which is unfair, inequitable and discriminatory.
Reports I have received indicate that since patients in that 35 to 64 year old age group qualify for free dentures but not partial dentures, they now resort to complete extraction of their teeth. No doubt dentists would prefer a restoration approach rather than the complete extraction or destruction of patients' teeth.
Will the Minister inform the House when it is intended to extend the scheme to this age group? While I am aware that there is a cost factor involved, this group should not be discriminated against.
Major difficulties are being experienced within the Southern Health Board region with regard to orthodontic treatment, with a waiting list, for assessment alone, of some 5,000, a large number of whom reside in the Kerry area. Even when assessed, they must await treatment. I should be glad if the Minister would address this matter with his departmental officials.
