Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018
297. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the full entitlements of children between 12 and 16 years of age in the HSE dental programme; if children between 12 to 16 years of age are entitled to full and free dental treatments needed without restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53507/18]
View answerA targeted fissure sealant programme is provided for children usually in 2nd and 6th class in primary school ( when children are generally aged between 6 to 8 and 11 to 13 years of age). In addition, a screening programme is provided for these same classes (age groups) with necessary interventions for permanent teeth including fillings and extractions. Treatment of pain and emergency treatment is provided in HSE dental clinics to children up to 16 years of age. The HSE also provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday.
Future provision of oral health services will be informed by the new National Oral Health Policy, which is currently being finalised and I expect will be published early in 2019. The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.
