Page 1341 - Week 05 - Thursday, 25 June 1992

MINISTER FOR HEALTH

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION 105

School Dental Service

Mr Cornwell - asked the minister for Health:

1. How many people are employed in the ACT School Dental

Service.

2. What was the Services budget in (a) 1990-91 and

(b) 1991-92.

3:. What facilities exist at school dental clinics.

4. How many clinics are there.

5. How much in total do they cost per annum to operate.

6. Can all children use school dental clinics and; if not, what

criteria is applied for use.

Mr Berry - the answer to Mr Cornwells question is:

1. The ACT School Dental Service employs 47.1 full time

equivalent staff.

2. The School Dental Services Budget for 1990-91 was $1.59m

1991-92 is $1.71m

3. Facilities in school dental clinics include the necessary

equipment to provide basic preventative and conservative

dentistry. Where x-rays or more complex treatments are

required, children are referred to dentists at the major

Health Centres.

4. There are 14 permanently based regional clinics.

5. The total budget for School Dental Service for 1991-1992 is

$1.71m comprising labour costs of $1.49m and operating costs

of $0.22m.

6. All children attending primary schools in the ACT are

eligible to attend the School Dental Service. Also entitled

are high school students under the age of 16 years, who are

beneficiaries of Pensioner Benefit or Health Care Cards.

Children under school age are eligible, by parent request.

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