29% of eligible Mayo schoolchildren awaiting dental assessment

More than 900 schoolchildren in Mayo are still awaiting an assessment under the HSE School Dental Scheme, according to new figures provided by the HSE in the West. 

The scheme provides a dental screening service for primary school children at HSE clinics, offering dental check-ups and treatment to the children in certain, targeted classes.

Last week's meeting of the Regional Health Forum West was told that Mayo Dental Service mainly targeted sixth-class pupils in 2023 and 2024 with some clinics in a position to see fourth-class pupils also. Around 34% of fourth-class pupils in Mayo were targeted as a result. Second-class pupils were not targeted in 2023 and 2024.

According to figures presented to members of the forum, a total of 3,162 sixth and fourth-class pupils in Mayo were targeted under the scheme in Mayo in 2023 and 2024. Some 2,038 pupils have had assessment and treatment completed while 213 have been assessed but are awaiting the completion of treatment. Some 911 children, or 29% of the targeted classes in Mayo, are still waiting to be seen for an assessment.

Castlebar-based Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, who raised this matter with the forum, asked if pupils who graduate from sixth class before their assessment is complete are still eligible to be examined and treated under the School Dental Scheme.

John Fitzmaurice, Chief Officer with Community Healthcare West, said it was his understanding that the Scheme was targeting sixth-class pupils.