asked the Minister for Health the general position regarding the administration of general anaesthesia by dentists in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Anaesthesia.
44.
In the dental services provided by health boards for eligible persons, general anaesthesia, when required for treatment purposes, is administered, not by a dentist, but by a medical practitioner who is normally a specialist anaesthetist.
I understand that under the dental benefit scheme operated by the Department of Social Welfare for insured persons, though general anaesthesia may be administered by a dentist, it is administered in the majority of cases by a specialist anaesthetist engaged under the terms of the scheme.
So far as I am aware, it is customary for dentists in private practice to engage experienced or specially qualified anaesthetists to administer general anaesthesia when required for dental treatment. The arrangements in such cases are, however, the responsibility of the parties concerned.
How many claims are made to the Minister's Department or to the Department of Social Welfare by dentists for anaesthesia in the case of health card patients?
I am afraid I have not got that figure. The Deputy will have to put down a question.