Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter. I also wish to thank the Minister for Health for attending the House for this Topical Issue. I am concerned about the existing dental services in south Galway and particularly in the Gort area. Having spoken to the general public in that area, I know that it was a very good service in south Galway. It was always important for a dentist or a nurse to visit a primary school, and the more medical professionals that can call to schools the better. We have learned that prevention is the best cure and it is good for a young person to have a meeting with a dentist in a school setting. Teachers have told me that such visits have always focused on children in second and fifth class, but sadly this is not happening now. Many parents and teachers have asked me what happens when a child is in pain and needs fillings or sealants, and I wish to raise the issue of staffing in this regard. Another important point is whom one deals with when trying to get detailed information about dental services, particularly in south Galway.

What I am raising is relevant to any part of the country, but there was a good service in south Galway and there is a justifiable demand. Consequently, there is a need to restore that dental service. I hope that more resources can be allocated to the school dental service. It is an important issue in dealing with the alleviation of toothache and other dental problems for young people. If such visits and examinations are taking place in primary schools, eligible children could also be put on the list for orthodontic treatment. We are all aware of the support for young people's confidence and self-esteem provided by orthodontic treatment, including braces.

All branches of medicine remind us of the importance of early detection, which is crucial in fighting tooth decay. That is why the provision of these inspections and examinations in school are most important for children who may otherwise not get to see a dentist. If this service was affordable 50 years ago, surely it should be available today. We all know of the risks to heart and body associated with tooth infections, so oral hygiene and care are best learned in early life.

In Gort in the past, children were referred to a centre or the nearest hospital, which could be University Hospital Galway or Merlin Park Hospital in Galway, while children in east Galway were often referred to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe. This service was much appreciated and I hope it will continue to be made available to young people.

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