asked the Minister for Health the total number of people eligible for free dental treatment under the Health Acts.
311.
Written Answers. - Dental Services.
310.
asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that all those entitled to free dental services and in need of such care are receiving their entitlements.
It is proposed, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.
The number of persons eligible for dental treatment under the Health Acts is of the order of 1,400,000. This figure includes approximately 200,000 eligible adults who are also entitled to benefit under the dental benefits scheme administered by the Department of Social Welfare.
I am not satisfied that all those entitled to dental care receive it when they need it. I hope to develop a comprehensive programme designed to remedy this situation.
312.
asked the Minister for Health the present national requirement for dental surgeons in Ireland.
The World Health Organisation has recommended that dental services should be provided on a dentist to population ratio of 1 to 2,000. This ratio implies a need for approximately 1,560 dentists in Ireland as compared with 888 dentists currently registered. This ratio does not, however, take account of the effects of fluoridated water supplies in preventing dental caries nor of the impact of the employment of operating dental auxiliaries. In connection with my future plans for the development of the dental services, I intend to make an estimate of our requirements which will take these factors into account.
313.
asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies for dental surgeons in the health service.
314.
asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists employed in the health services.
It is proposed, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 313 and 314 together.
The number of vacant permanent posts of dental surgeon is 66. However, 16 posts are filled on a temporary wholetime basis and 57 dentists are engaged on a part-time sessional basis.
Two hundred and fifty-one dentists are employed in the health services; 178 on a whole-time, permanent basis; 16 on a whole-time, temporary basis and 57 on a part-time, sessional basis.
315.
asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, his Department have for the construction of a new dental hospital in the Dublin area.
The Minister for Education has decided to locate the proposed new dental teaching facility for Dublin on the St. James's Hospital site. The planning of this facility is a matter for the Minister for Education.
For my part, I have authorised the provision of a separate dental unit within the general hospital proper to ensure that adequate bed facilities will be available for the small number of dental patients who require in-patient treatment.
316.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that children entitled to free dental services in rural areas have to travel long distances to avail of these services; and if travel facilities will be provided to enable children to take advantage of these services.
I am not aware that this is the general position.
Health boards are authorised to provide travel facilities, where necessary, to enable eligible children avail of dental treatment. If the Deputy is aware of any area where the absence of travel facilities is causing hardship, I will have the matter looked into on receipt of details.
317.
asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that pregnant women are receiving the full dental care they are entitled to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Health boards provide dental treatment on a priority basis for expectant mothers who are eligible for dental services and I have no indication that eligible pregnant women are not receiving the dental care to which they are entitled.
I would stress to all expectant mothers that it is important to be particularly careful of dental needs during pregnancy.
318.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give details of present entitlement to dental services under the Social Welfare Acts.
The treatment benefit scheme in operation under the Social Welfare Acts provides insured persons, who fulfil the necessary contribution conditions, with dental benefit. In order to qualify for this benefit, insured persons under 21 years of age must have at least 26 contributions paid on their behalf. Persons over 21 years of age require at least 156 contributions paid and must have not less than 26 contributions paid or credited in the preceding contribution year.
Under the scheme, extractions, fillings and associated treatments are provided free of charge. The Department pay portion of the cost of dentures and repairs to dentures and, where more sophisticated treatment is required, pay a fixed sum towards the cost. The insured person pays any balance due to the dentist.
319.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of dental surgeons employed under the social welfare dental scheme; and the total number of people eligible for free dental care under the Social Welfare Acts.
The number of dental surgeons on the dental panel under the Department's treatment benefits scheme is 531. The total number of people eligible for free dental care under the Social Welfare Acts is approximately 840,000.