Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 2

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Ulick Burke

Question:

146 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will request the Dublin Dental Hospital to establish training pathway links which will allow staff to continue to provide valuable service in the Western Health Board area whilst attending lectures one day per fortnight at this academic institution, as requested by the Irish Consultant Orthodontist Group in order to eliminate the long waiting list for this service in the County Galway area in view of the acute shortage of orthodontic practitioners in the Western Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5893/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The orthodontic services in the Western Health Board are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan.

My Department is at present reviewing the role of the Dublin Dental Hospital in the provisions of training in orthodontics for health board staff. Senior officials in my Department have also arranged a meeting with representatives of the Irish consultants orthodontic group and I have asked them to report back to me.

The orthodontic review group set up by the chief executive officers of the health boards at the suggestion of my Department has also examined issues in relation to training in orthodontics. This group, which includes health board consultant orthodontists, is due to report to the chief executive officers in the near future.

I am concerned to ensure that the academic and training programmes of both dental schools in orthodontics and other disciplines adequately reflect current and future needs of the public dental service under the health strategy and the dental health action plan. Following the developments which I have outlined I will, as necessary, consult my colleague the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Martin, to achieve this objective.