Vol. 492 No. 1
118 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the adequacy of dental services for children attending primary school; his views on whether dental screening for children every two years is sufficient in view of the fact that dentists recommend a dental check up every six months; the steps, if any, he is taking to improve the dental service for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13344/98]
Dental treatment services for children are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. For the past number of years health boards have been progressively adopting a planned targeted approach to the delivery of dental services to national school children and phasing out a demand led system. This is to ensure the optimum use of dental resources and equal access for all national school children to the same level of dental care.
The school based approach puts an important emphasis on dental health education and prevention. Dental health education programmes are now available to all national schools. Children in second, fourth and sixth classes are targeted for preventive measures under the school based approach. Subject to available resources the children in these classes are screened and referred for treatment as necessary. The provision of fissure sealants for vulnerable teeth is an important element of the preventive programme. The programme has been specifically designed to ensure children are dentally fit before they leave national school. The small number of children who require more frequent attention are identified and the required level of advice, check-ups, treatment, etc., provided as necessary. An emergency service for acute conditions requiring immediate attention is available on demand.
I am fully satisfied that the school based targeted approach is the most effective way of delivering dental services to children in national schools.
