Vol. 497 No. 3
136 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the dental service available in primary schools; the changes, if any, which occurred in the past few years; if school authorities were informed and consulted on the policy change; the policy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25136/98]
Dental treatment services for children in primary schools are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. For the past number of years health boards have been progressively adopting a planned targeted approach to the delivery of dental services to national school children and phasing out a demand led system. This is to ensure the optimum use of dental resources and equal access for all national school children to the same level of dental care.
The school based approach puts an important emphasis on dental health education and prevention. Dental health education programmes are now available to all national schools. Children in second, fourth and sixth classes are targeted for preventive measures under the school based approach. Subject to available resources the children in these classes are screened and referred for treatment as necessary. The provision of fissure sealants for vulnerable teeth is an important element of the preventive programme. The eight health boards work in close co-operation with the school authorities in their regions to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave primary school. The small number of children who require more frequent attention are identified and the required level of advice, check-ups, treatment, etc. is provided as necessary.
I am fully satisfied that the school based targeted approach is the most effective way of delivering dental services to children in primary schools.
