Written Answers. - Dental Services.
Hugh Byrne
Ceist:
18
Mr. H. Byrne
asked the
Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to the situation in the South Eastern Health Board as outlined in a letter to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford wherein it is stated that the demands on the dental service for children is so increased that the only service available is an emergency service to provide relief from pain and that the situation is unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7404/95]
Limerick East): My Department has made inquiries of the South Eastern Health Board in regard to the matter raised by the Deputy as the board has the statutory responsibility for the provision of dental treatment to eligible persons in County Wexford.
The board has informed my Department that the letter in question refers to the demand for orthodontic treatment and the need for guidelines to ensure that those most in need of orthodontic treatment receive treatment.
The letter was a standard letter which has since been amended to take account of the introduction of the new scheme to provide dental treatment to medical card holders, the dental treatment services scheme, and the improved dental services for children in County Wexford.
In 1994 significant funding was provided for children's dental services in County Wexford which now allows the board to screen and treat children in second and sixth classes in Wexford in the current school year; to address the waiting list for children's dental treatment in Wexford, which built up over the past number of years, with an expectation that it will be completed by August this year; incorporate the extension of eligibility for children under 14 years of age in the dental service in Wexford; increase the provision of preventive programmes including fluoride mouth rinse for children in non-fluoridated water areas, fissure sealant programmes and oral health education programmes.
In addition funding was provided in 1994 to build and equip five additional dental surgeries, at Wexford (two), Enniscorthy (two) and New Ross.
Two additional dentists were approved in 1994 to improve orthodontic services throughout the region.
Adult medical card holders are receiving treatment under the dental treatment services scheme or by health board dentists if they fall into the special needs category or are medically compromised.
I have recently provided funding to the South Eastern Health Board for the further development of children's dental services and orthodontic services in the region which will allow for the employment of an additional seven dental teams for the childrens dental services and an additional dentist and dental nurse to work with the consultant orthodontist in the region's orthodontic unit.
I am confident that the provision of these additional resources will result in significant improvements in the provisions of dental services to eligible persons in Wexford.
