Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
484. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health his plans to integrate dentists into multidisciplinary teams which care for elderly persons in nursing homes; his views on whether the HSE is reneging on its duty of care to some 27,000 nursing home patients by failing to meet their dental health needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7190/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra523. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if training programmes in oral care are currently provided to health care assistants; his views on whether a national model of publicly delivered dental care for elderly persons and patients with special care needs is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7304/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 484 and 523 together.
The National Oral Health Policy, which the Department of Health is currently developing, will inform future provision of dental services. This three-year project, which is being led by the Chief Dental Officer, commenced in 2014 and is due to be completed later this year.
Older persons can access dental treatments via the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. This dental service is available for all medical card holders and includes those patients who are aged over 70. For older nursing home residents who are high risk; on medication and with other special care requirements, a broader number of items of dental treatments are available under this scheme to ensure that their oral health can be supported. The National Quality and Qualifications Ireland Level 5 Health Service Skills Certificate, Care Skills 5N2770, contains learning outcomes on oral care. This is a core module for all Health Care Assistants.
