Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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2477.To ask the Minister for Health the cost of subsidising dental practises to allow students to avail of dental check-ups every six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33134/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE Public Dental Service provides oral examination and treatment identified as necessary for children at three intervals, at ages 6 to 8, 11 to 16 and, subject to capacity, 9 to 11. These ages align with second, sixth and fourth classes. Emergency care is also provided for children up to 16 years of age and for those with complex and additional needs. Medical card holders aged 16 and over are provided with oral healthcare, including an annual oral health examination, free of charge, through the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.

There are no plans to provide oral healthcare in the manner suggested by the Deputy. The cost of provision of such care would depend on a number of factors, including the underlying oral health of the relevant cohort and the level of take-up of such services.

The Government is committed to reforming dental services through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte. 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. An implementation plan for the 2024-2026 phase of rollout is being drafted by my Department and the HSE, for consultation and subsequent publication in the third quarter of this year.