Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
686. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the documented increase in acute hospital admissions for urgent dental treatments; his estimate of the cost of such admissions and the cost-benefit savings which would be realised by greater access to preventive oral health care for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27047/16]
View answer687. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the findings of the recently published report entitled National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics and Neonatology: A National Model of Care for Paediatric Healthcare Services in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27048/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 687 together.
No specific study has been undertaken to measure the cost of providing dental services in hospitals. Nevertheless the current policy is that dental care should, as far as possible, be provided in a primary care setting. It should be noted that Orthodontic Departments are frequently located in hospitals and that dental treatment under general anaesthetic is also provided in hospitals. While it is the policy of the HSE that general anaesthesia should, if possible, be avoided in the practice of dentistry, such treatments are provided in hospitals on determination of clinical need.
The Report to which the Deputy refers is currently under consideration in my Department. Future service provision will be informed by the National Oral Health Policy, which the Department of Health is currently developing. The project includes a needs assessment, a review of resources and involves consultation with stakeholders, including dental professionals and the public.
