3907. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently address the issues raised by Dublin Dental University Hospital (details supplied); and urgently implement the Smile agus Slainte plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63516/26]

In 2019 the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Slainte, was published. The policy aims to radically transform oral healthcare services by recognising the need for an entirely new approach to oral healthcare to meet the needs of our population into the future. The Policy is in line with the 2024 WHO Action Plan on oral health. To enable more people to get timely care we have to do two things at once, take practical steps now to improve access, and deliver lasting reform.

While reform is progressed, I am determined to ease the pressure people are facing now. In practical terms, that means improving access through the public system, especially for children and adult medical card holders. My Department and the HSE are finalising a more focused two-year action plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.

The plan will be driven by a dedicated governance group, with progress monitored closely and aligned to wider HSE and Department priorities. It will aim to respond to sustained service pressures, workforce constraints, and long waiting lists, particularly for children and for people with additional needs.

It will focus on a small number of clear priorities:

• Cut waiting lists in the School Dental Programme and orthodontics

• Improvement and expansion of the access programme to oral healthcare for people who have additional needs including those with disabilities

• Reviewing and improving the Dental Treatment Services Scheme

• Support recruitment, education and training

Over the next two years, the aim is to stabilise services, reduce waiting times, and make access measurably better for patients while laying the groundwork for longer-term reform.

My Department and HSE officials have progressed engagements with many of the stakeholders that will have important roles in enabling improved access to dental services across the country. Recent engagements have taken place with various stakeholders including with Dublin Dental University Hospital with regards to increasing the supply of oral healthcare professionals and exploring ways of broadening the educational and training options for dental hygienists. We will also be consulting with colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on educational opportunities for both the current and future dental workforce.

While it is acknowledged that most dentistry in Ireland can be carried out in a primary care setting, the introduction of any additional specialisms requires careful consideration. Introduction of additional specialisms would need to be line with the Professional Qualifications Directive, as well as the approach of the National Oral Health Policy which focuses on initially establishing and prioritising a primary care approach and aims to move to a preventative, outcome-focused model for people of all ages to improve their “personal best” oral health.

A process will need to be undertaken to formally recognise certain sites – including dental hospitals, hospitals, and other locations with appropriate facilities and skilled staff, even if not in hospital settings, as advanced oral healthcare centres. This will be undertaken during the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy. The need for additional training and/or specialisation in specific areas of dentistry will be considered as part of this process.