Dental Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2015

Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Questions (477)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

477. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of X-rays carried out at the Dublin Dental Hospital in 2014 and in 2015 to date; the number of patients of the Dublin Dental Hospital being referred to Beaumont Hospital for X-rays, during each of these years; the numbers on waiting lists for dental X-rays of up to three months, from three months plus to six months, from six months plus to nine months, and from nine months plus; the reasons for these wait times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40708/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The number of x-rays carried out in the Dublin Dental Hospital (DDH) from the start of 2015 until the end of September was 17,020. The figure for 2014 is 22,316. In rare cases the DDH may refer patients to other hospitals where a scan such as an MRI is required or if there is a suspicion of a serious head injury. There have been no such cases in the timeframe outlined. DDH does not operate a separate waiting list for x-rays as they are carried out in conjunction with the patient’s assessment for treatment or during their treatment to gauge progress. Patients are occasionally referred to the DDH from the community for x-rays by private general dental practitioners. They are normally given an appointment within a week.