Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
577. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the measures he is planning to take to deal with the lack of dental treatment services being delivered in our schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20525/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are challenges in the provision of dental services and patients are waiting longer than they should have to, to access care. Therefore, in addition to the over €200m that the Government invests in public oral healthcare services annually, an additional €17m in one-off funding has been invested since 2019/2020 to address service backlogs.
In the first quarter of 2024, the HSE offered oral examination appointments to 13% more 6th class children and 9% more second class children relative to the same period in 2023. In addition orthodontic waiting lists have been reduced by 8,700 patients, or 44%, between end-March 2019 and end-December 2023.
In the longer-term, the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte, sets out a complete transformation of oral healthcare services and expansion of the care available for both children and adults. An implementation plan for the first phase of rollout is being developed between my Department and the HSE, for consultation and then publication in the third quarter of this year.
For children, the HSE is developing comprehensive, prevention-focused oral healthcare packages, starting with 0-2 years olds, supported by €4.75m in additional funding. This will support children to attend a local dentist from birth, representing a significant expansion of care compared to the current model which offers three examination appointments and associated follow-up, starting at second class, in addition to emergency care which is available at all ages up to 16.
