I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 124 to 128, inclusive, and 131 together.
The National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte, sets out a new model of oral healthcare delivery, moving from episodic care to a life course approach. The policy will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.
The Policy delivery in the HSE will have three strategic strands:
• Health and oral health promotion and protection programmes;
• Oral healthcare service provision;
• Evaluation of oral health in the population (clinical surveillance programme).
There will be a particular focus on improved oral healthcare services for all vulnerable groups, including people in nursing and residential homes. Oral health surveillance will be an adjunct to, and, where possible, part of, routine visits to local dentists at key targeted ages for the whole population. The development of appropriate advice on toothpaste use and progress on preventive packages and outlining of measures to support the phase-down of amalgam are among the priority actions of the Policy.
The HSE will drive reform in the delivery of oral healthcare services, including developing a national oral health evaluation programme and any associated information campaigns that may be required.
My Department is working with the HSE to ensure the establishment of focused structures to drive implementation of the Policy, including an oversight structure. My Department is also developing a cross-Governmental oversight structure which will produce the overall policy implementation plan and ensure that involved Departments and agencies are accountable for their progress under the plan.
I recognise that the HSE Public Dental Service needs to be staffed appropriately in order to provide the care it is tasked to provide. The Department will support and resource the HSE to gradually reorient to provide the functions that the National Oral Health Policy ascribes to the HSE Public Dental Service, as implementation of the National Oral Health Policy proceeds over its eight-year implementation period.