Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1628. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated funding increase needed to ensure the community dental network can ensure all children in primary schools have their dental needs met at all stages of their development. [33823/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Dental Service of the HSE currently provides dental services to children under 16. It provides pain-emergency treatment to all children under 16 years and routine dental examinations and care for children at key stages of development as follows:
(i) Children aged 11-16 years (screening, referral and intervention)
(ii) Children aged 6-8 years (screening, referral and intervention)
(iii) Children aged 9-11 years (screening, referral and intervention) where resources permit.
A new National Oral Health Policy is currently being finalised and I expect it will be published later this year. The Policy will replace the Dental Health Action Plan, published in 1994, and on which the provision of dental services in Ireland is currently based.
The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs. Future provision of services, including funding, will be considered in the context of the development of the new model of care.
