Michael Ring
Ceist:216 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the stage in national school at which children are seen by dentists. [25575/98]
Written Answers - Dental Services.
Michael Ring
Ceist:217 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if primary school children are still called for dental treatment in second and sixth classes; and, if not, when the regulations changed in this regard. [25576/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.
The statutory entitlement of children attending national school to dental services is established under section 67 of the Health Act 1970. Under this section, children attending national school are entitled to dental treatment for defects noticed at school health examinations. 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 that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. The small number of children who require more frequent attention will be 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.
Unfortunately, some health boards can have difficulty in filling dental posts in geographically remote areas and in fully implementing the school based approach as outlined. I have asked my Department to explore with health boards ways in which it might be possible for the boards to provide an adequate dental service to children in areas which experience persistent recruitment difficulties.