Question to the Minister for Health (Mr James Reilly, TD)
To ask the Minister for Health the initiatives that are in place to promote oral health and the supports available for persons to access dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.- Jerry Buttimer.
For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 18th September, 2013.
REPLY
The Dental Health Foundation, which is funded by the Department of Health and the HSE, has made significant contributions in promoting oral health awareness and the reinforcement of good dental habits. It continues to develop oral health information programmes for children, people with oral cancer, people with special needs, older people and the general population. In addition, water fluoridation and the use of appropriate fluorides, including toothpastes, is a major plank of public health policy in Ireland in the prevention and management of tooth decay. At present a University College Cork led research project, “Fluoride and Caring for Children’s Teeth” (FACCT) is being conducted. This will assess the effectiveness of oral health promotion initiatives and inform national policy and planning of future oral health promotion activities.
The HSE provides a range of oral health services to children and special needs patients through the Public Dental Service and to medical card holders through the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. Information for the public regarding all available services, including eligibility and entitlement is available on the HSE’s website or from local health centres.