asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the fact that the present dental services are totally inadequate and that many people cannot obtain proper dental treatment; and if he will state the proposals he has for improving the service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Services.
63.
I am aware that dental treatment facilities provided by health boards are not adequate at present. I indicated in a reply last week that, while it would not be feasible to expand these services immediately, I intend to review the situation during the current financial year.
64.
asked the Minister for Health the number of dental officers appointed to the school dental services in each of the health board areas.
The information, based on latest available data, is in the form of a tabular statement which, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
|
Health Board |
Dental Officers (including Chief and Senior Dental Officers) employed (March, 1973). |
|
Eastern |
41 |
|
Midland |
11 |
|
Mid-Western |
14 |
|
North-Eastern |
9 |
|
North-Western |
8 |
|
South-Eastern |
17 |
|
Southern |
28 |
|
Western |
18 |
|
Total |
146 |
Note: Dental Officers are employed by Health Boards for the provision of dental services for eligible persons generally; they are engaged mainly on the provision of services for school children.