Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2016
418. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason for his Department's decision in 2010 to require a referral letter from a dentist to access primary dental care at a hospital; if consultation was carried out on the impact on those seeking dental treatment; if he is satisfied that this arrangement is not impacting on dental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5318/16]
View answerI understand that this Question relates to a decision of the Dublin Dental Hospital.
I am informed by the Dublin Dental Hospital that patients can self refer to the Hospital for primary dental care. Such care is provided by dental students as part of their clinical training. Patients must be over 16 years of age and are screened by the Hospital to determine their suitability for teaching needs.
Patients who require secondary or tertiary dental care in the Hospital must be referred by their dental or medical practitioner.
