Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she accepts that the Health Service Executive dental policy which advises not to fill cavities in children's teeth puts children's health at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34753/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The HSE has not issued a national directive to dentists working in the Public Dental Service that they are not to fill cavities in children's teeth. The Deputy may be referring to a clinical policy in Sligo/Leitrim for the past 15 years not to fill milk teeth unless there was clear evidence of an associated health benefit. In response to media reports in August, the Principal Dental Surgeon for the area said that this policy is evidence-based. He stated "The policy in Sligo/Leitrim focuses on dealing with the causes of the decay and working towards reducing the risk of tooth decay in baby teeth. It also prioritises treatment of permanent teeth. Any baby teeth which are causing pain or which may consequently cause problems for adult teeth are of course treated as required".

The HSE has recently appointed a new Oral Health Lead to ensure that the delivery of oral health services is in line with national policies and best practice. In one area, Sligo/Leitrim, a clinical decision was taken many years ago to prioritise adult teeth in children and not to fill deciduous teeth unless there was clear evidence of an associated health benefit. Children in pain or sepsis, or those at high risk or with special needs are treated as required. Children are generally seen for the first time in the Sligo/Leitrim area at approximately 7 years of age. There is no evidence that this local policy has adversely affected the oral health or general health of children in this area.