asked the Minister for Health the total number of (a) adults and (b) children eligible for free dental treatment in Ireland; and the proportion of these who avail of such treatment.
Written Answers. - Dental Services.
392.
The total number of adults eligible for free dental treatment under the Health Act, 1970 is approximately 800,000. This figure includes approximately 200,000 eligible adults who are also entitled to benefit under the dental benefit scheme administered by the Department of Social Welfare and who generally opt for treatment under that scheme.
Excluding those who qualify under the Department of Social Welfare scheme, 10 per cent of other eligible adults receive treatment each year. I might add that upon the basis of experience under the Social Welfare dental benefit scheme, it could be expected that only 25 per cent of those eligible would seek treatment in any one year.
The total number of children eligible for treatment is approximately 600,000 comprising 500,000 national school pupils and 100,000 pre-school children who are estimated to be potential dental patients. Approximately 50 per cent of eligible children are examined while 40 per cent receive treatment annually.
393.
asked the Minister for Health the ration of dentists to eligible people in the public health services.
A total of 194 public dental officers are employed wholetime by the health boards. Private practitioners employed on a part-time or sessional basis and extra sessions worked by wholetime dental officers provide the equivalent of another 28 wholetime dentists. The total number of persons eligible for health board treatment, both adults and children is 1,400,000 which gives a population of 6,300 eligible persons per dentist in the public health service. If allowance is made for the 200,000 eligible adults who also qualify for and generally opt for treatment under the dental benefit scheme administered by the Department of Social Welfare, the ratio becomes 1 dentist per 5,400 eligible persons.
394.
asked the Minister for Health the increase in the number of dentists employed in the public health sector in each of the last five years.
The number of wholetime public dental officers employed by health boards in each of the last five years and the change in relation to the previous year is set out below.
|
Year |
Number of Wholetime Dentists in February of each year |
Change in relation to previous year |
|
1974 |
155 |
+13 |
|
1975 |
177 |
+22 |
|
1976 |
195 |
+18 |
|
1977 |
184 |
-11 |
|
1978 |
194 |
+10 |
It might be noted that, in addition, a number of private practitioners are employed on a part-time or sessional basis while a number of wholetime dental officers also provide extra sessions in addition to their normal duties. It is estimated that this service is equivalent to that which would be provided by an additional 28 wholetime dental public officers, a figure which has remained relatively stable over the period in question.
395.
asked the Minister for Health if any figures are available for the number of children between the ages of six and sixteen who have gum disease; and the incidence of this disease in the population at large.
396.
asked the Minister for Health if any figures are available for the number of persons between the ages of 13 and 20 years who have irreversible damage to the bones in their gums.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to answer questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
I am not aware of any recent figures which would indicate the general incidence or prevalence rates of these conditions in Ireland in the age groups referred to by the Deputy. However, I am reliably informed that in relation to the over-all population the incidence rate of gum disease is estimated to be at least 50 per cent.
397.
asked the Minister for Health the emergency dental services that are available at the Dublin Dental Hospital; if these services are available on a 24-hour basis all year round; and the category of persons who are eligible for such services.
The Dublin Dental Hospital is primarily intended to provide clinical training for dental students.
I understand that emergency dental services are available from all departments of the hospital on week days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. These services are available to any person in need of emergency treatment.
398.
asked the Minister for Health the dental facilities that are available in the Dublin Dental Hospital to mentally handicapped and physically disabled people.
The Dublin Dental Hospital is primarily intended to provide clinical training for dental students.
I understand that the special facilities required to provide dental care for mentally handicapped and physically disabled persons cannot readily be provided at this centre. Such persons are usually catered for by the general range of dental treatment facilities available in the public and private sectors.
399.
asked the Minister for Health the locations in Ireland where specialist dental treatment is available.
A wide range of specialist dental treatment is available in the Dublin Dental Hospital and in Cork Dental School and Hospital.
Oral surgery facilities are available in Dr. Steeven's Hospital, St. Colmcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown and St. Mary's Hospital, Dublin and in St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork.
Orthodontic services at specialist level are provided for children at main population centres in other health board areas.
I am aware that specialist dental treatment for the private sector is provided by dental practitioners at a number of locations but I do not have any details of the locations concerned.
400.
asked the Minister for Health the facilities in Ireland for consultancy training in dental surgery.
A number of matters of principle have yet to be determined before final decisions can be taken by the various interested agencies on proposals regarding the organisations in Ireland of postgraduate training in dentistry up to consultant level.
At present a number of posts in the Dublin and Cork dental hospitals are recognised for general professional training. One post in the Dublin Dental Hospital is recognised for higher professional training in orthodontics. The training programme for the post incorporates modules of training at Dr. Steeven's Hospital and Dublin University.