Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2014
387. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to set out the measures he will introduce to ensure that persons look after their oral health and increase their number of consultations with a dentist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48966/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Health Foundation is funded by the HSE to promote oral health awareness and the reinforcement of good dental habits through its oral health information programmes. The core messages are (a) reduce the frequency of intake of foods containing sugar, (b) brush the teeth thoroughly at least once a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and (c) visit the dentist regularly, in order to control the progression of early signs of decay and gum disease. The uptake of dental services provided to medical card patients under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme has risen from 27% in 2011 to 32% in 2014.
The Department of Health is currently developing a new oral health policy. This is a three year project which commenced in 2014 and is led by the Chief Dental Officer. The project will have three key parts. The first is a needs assessment, which will inform how new services should be provided. The second part will be a review of resources. Thirdly, there will be consultation with stakeholders, including professional groups and the public, on new ways of delivering oral health services. The emphasis on prevention rather than intervention is a cornerstone of this policy development.
