Sir, – It was heartening to read of the great benefit enjoyed by nine-year old Jack Moriarty following his dental examination in second class (Health + Family, August 20th). And we can only echo the call from his mother, Tara, who says “there would be great benefit in having a class for parents on dietary requirements and general health issues for children so that we can prevent tooth erosion or eyesight issues”.
Regrettably, we have to report that Jack’s positive experience is becoming the exception rather than the norm as the effect of a near 20 per cent (net) reduction in the number of dentists and nurses means essential dental visits are now being denied to tens of thousands of children throughout the country.
The HSE claims in the same article that primary school children are screened in second, fourth and sixth class and if necessary referred to a local dental clinic. While this is the policy which the HSE is expected to deliver, the reality is that in many parts of the country (Galway, Laois, Offaly, Kerry, north Cork to name a few), the only school screening by the dentist takes place in sixth class, when it is too late to educate children on good dental habits and to examine, diagnose or refer them for treatment. Little wonder that we are now seeing the reappearance of denture-wearing teenagers.
The Irish Times must be commended for highlighting the great value to children and families afforded by regular dental visits, but it would be wrong not to draw attention to the situation on the ground. Once again it is the children and their parents who suffer as the HSE hides behind the awful truth. Every case of delayed treatment will eventually require more complex treatment at a greater cost. The current "patch-up and forget" policy operated by this state shames us all. – Yours, etc,
FINTAN HOURIHAN,
Chief Executive,
Irish Dental Association/
Irish Dental Union,
Leopardstown Office Park,
Sandyford, Dublin 18.