Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

State Dental Schemes: Discussion

10:40 am

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegation for its informative presentation which highlighted many problems but also offered solutions.

The report highlights sixth-class primary schoolchildren are often called for dental appointments only when they are in secondary school. I know that was the case with my daughter who was in first year in secondary school when she was called for an appointment. Should the Government take emergency measures to rectify this matter? The criteria for qualifying for orthodontic treatment are very strict. Accordingly, many 13 year olds who need treatment do not meet the criteria and have to attend private practices. Most parents cannot afford the enormous costs that go with the treatment and have to go on a waiting list. I know of cases where children are not called until they are 18. The voucher system suggested is well worth exploring. People with special needs also have to endure long waiting lists before they receive dental treatment.

The delegation said it was involved in talks about reform of the public dental service. Can it elaborate on this? Its report stated oral health care is now almost privatised. What would be the best practice model of an efficient and functioning public dental service?

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