Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Questions (902)

Alex White

Question:

907 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for Health in vew of the fact that one-fifth of eight year olds and half of all 12 year olds have experienced decay in their permanent teeth and the geographical variation in the prevalence and severity of dental caries, if he will move to ensure consistent practices are applied and standards delivered by the school dental services, as specified by the Health Dental Services for Children Regulations, 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26746/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

The HSE currently provides a dental service to schoolchildren aged up to 16 years. The service is targeted at children in key classes at key stages in their development. Children are given dental examinations and any follow up treatment required at these stages. When required, emergency dental treatment is available to all children up to 16 years. There may be differences across the country in how the HSE Dental Service currently provides these services.

A re-organisation of the Service is underway. As part of the reorganisation four inspectors have been appointed whose role is to ensure appropriate services are provided within the Dental Service. The reorganisation will also involve the restructuring of service areas in the near future. This will support a unified approach with fewer service areas and maximization of resources within each area. Five Assistant National Oral Health Leads will be appointed. Their focus will be on the development of standards and consistent practices across the HSE Dental Services.