Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health who sends his apologies for not being here. If the Senator has any follow-on questions I will, of course, raise them with him and he will respond to her directly.I thank the Senator for the opportunity to address the issue of dental services in CHO 5. Eligibility for dental services is provided for in the Health Act 1970. Dental treatment for adult medical card holders is provided under the dental treatment services scheme by contracted general dental practitioners. The HSE provides oral healthcare services to children and vulnerable people of all ages including people with special needs, people with disabilities and people who are medically compromised. It also includes cohorts such as refugees and asylum seekers. Services are provided on the basis of need and include four key areas, namely emergency care; targeted preventive and treatment services for children; planned care for children and adults with special care needs; and hospital services, including general anaesthetic services. Targeted preventive and treatment services for children emphasise prevention of dental disease through patient and parent oral health education, dietary advice and tooth-brushing instruction, along with preventive interventions such as the placement of fissure sealants on vulnerable tooth surfaces. Restorative treatment such as fillings is also available. Children in the targeted age groups are typically in first or second class and sixth class. Where resources allow, some children may also be seen in fourth class.

CHO 5, now known as South East Community Healthcare, provides community health and social care services within south-eastern counties of Waterford, Wexford, South Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny. Recent HSE figures indicate that as of 1 January 2019 there were 35,466 in second, fourth and sixth classes in the South East Community Healthcare area. A number of these children would have been seen during January and to date in February. It should be noted that the service which these children receive is a screening service - the Deputy is correct that prevention is the best measure against more serious challenges - provided for children at key ages to coincide with eruption of back teeth and once parental consent is given. This is an ongoing rolling programme for routine dental care. The emphasis is on preventive care such as fissure sealants and advice with fillings provided if necessary.

There are 2,198 awaiting treatment following screening. It should be noted that some children may be counted twice, for example where they are to be seen by a hygienist for preventive care and by a dentist for treatment following their assessment. Following a fire in the St. Dympna’s Hospital Carlow in November 2016, dental services ceased. This resulted in the cancellation of four surgeries for four months. Additional services using agency staff and additional clinics during evenings and weekends were used in 2017 to address the backlog in appointments. The dental service is still dealing with some backlogs in appointments as a result. The Minister is aware of this and is trying to deal with it. While there are ongoing difficulties in recruitment and retention of dentists in the South East Community Healthcare area, two vacancies were filled in 2018, and we hope to recruit more in the coming year. The HSE will continue to prioritise patients with greatest needs. Emergency care for the relief of pain and infection is available for all children aged up to 15 years, and patients with special needs on a same day or following day basis at HSE dental clinics across the country. Approximately 6,000 children attend for emergency treatment each month nationally.

The Minister is very much aware of concerns and the specific issues in this area. He is committed to filling the vacancies, reducing waiting lists and ensuring that the children, not only in this area but also surrounding areas, are treated in the appropriate manner and as quickly as possible.