Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2020
323. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health his views on whether in the absence of check-ups earlier in childhood, that a sixth class check-up will mean many dental hygiene issues with have been neglected or exacerbated and thereby harder to resolve. [43844/20]
View answerThe HSE normally provides preventive care, screening and necessary interventions for permanent teeth, as well as referral for orthodontics and other secondary care, where appropriate, for school children at key stages of development - mainly in 2nd and 6th class and in 4th class where resources allow. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the delivery of these services in 2020. Services are gradually resuming with priority being given to those that need to be seen urgently. Organisational and preventive measures related to Covid-19 have reduced throughput on resumption.
Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, published by my Department in 2019, sets out the new model of care for delivery for dental services. The Policy is informed by the ‘life-course approach’, which supports the benefits of early intervention and provides for prevention and oral healthcare from birth into old age.
The new model of care will involve the introduction of oral healthcare packages, which will consist of examinations, assessments, advice, prevention interventions, emergency care and referral as appropriate. Eight oral health care packages will be provided for children from birth up to 16 years. Children under 6 years of age will be prioritised for the introduction of packages. The packages will be provided in a primary care setting by oral healthcare practitioners contracted by the HSE.
The timeframe for the delivery of all of the Policy, which will be rolled out incrementally, is up to 2026.
