Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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441. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the development of a new oral health policy; when it is expected to be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53284/18]

Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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445. To ask the Minister for Health the person or body that has commissioned the new oral health policy; if it will be provided; if the work is being carried out by an independent organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53310/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 441 and 445 together.

The new National Oral Health Policy is being developed by my Department. The Policy is evidence-informed and aligns with relevant national and international policies and approaches.

The work has drawn on a wide range of inputs including deliberations of oral healthcare professionals through a series of working groups, detailed research and service user surveys which were commissioned to inform the work, consultation with a range of dental and oral health organisations and engagement on specific topics with dental practitioners. The resources of the Dental Health Foundation were utilised to assist with certain elements of policy development.

The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs. It is currently being finalised and I expect it will be published early in 2019.