Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the numbers and grades of staff in the Health Service Executive dental service; if the total annual cost of provision of same will be outlined; if a value for money exercise of the HSE dental service compared with medical card scheme has been carried out; the outcome of same; the data that is available on cost comparisons; if she will outline future policy directions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30925/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The HSE Public Dental Service employs approximately 800 wholetime equivalents. There are 32 principal dental surgeons, about 300 dental practitioners and 480 nurses and hygienists. The HSE has engaged independent consultants to carry out a review of the Public Dental Service. The consultants have estimated the cost of the Public Dental Service to be approximately €60 million. A more detailed exercise is currently being carried out by the HSE. This independent review is expected shortly and will inform future policy in this area.