Dr. Dympna Kavanagh:

Changing the model was not a decision taken in any way lightly. As our colleagues and the HSE have outlined, it would be in a phased stage in order to release capacity in line with Sláintecare to ensure fewer services are provided in a secondary care service. As young children and teenagers would be taken up in local practices, this would release capacity in the HSE. The only intention is that the HSE’s salaried service would be stronger. As was pointed out by Dr. McLoughlin, it would provide an opportunity for dentists to use a broad range of their skills. We have had a significant amount of support from the disability organisations. They are employed by the HSE in this regard.