Billy Kelleher
Ceist:670. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide post-primary students with free dental care treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25585/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 June 2014
Ceisteanna (670, 720)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:720. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the different dental services provided by the State to each age cohort of the population including young children, school children, young adults and adults generally; the dental services provided to medical card holders; if orthodontic treatment is automatically provided for those with cleft palates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25936/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 670 and 720 together.
Dental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons of all ages with special needs are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE through its dental clinics. All HSE dental clinics prioritise emergency care for children up to 16 years of age, treatment for special needs patients and screening of children aged from 11 to 13 years, including referral for orthodontic services where necessary. The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines called the Modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need, including those with defects of cleft lip and pallet, are provided with treatment. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is also provided in hospitals. Other services, including screening of children 6 to 8 years, are provided but may be deferred in clinics where there is pressure on resources.
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders over the age of 16. The service is provided by contracted dentists. The HSE prioritises for treatment patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs. A free oral examination every calendar year and free emergency dental treatment with a focus on relief of pain and sepsis are available to all eligible patients, regardless of their medical condition. This includes 2 fillings per year, all extractions, including surgical extractions, and a number of complex treatments.