asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the pressing need for the appointment of orthodontists in the Western Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Orthodontists.
21.
The services of two consultant orthodontists are provided on a sessional basis in the Western Health Board area. A post of wholetime orthodontist for this area was advertised without success earlier this year. The general question of qualifications and conditions of appointment for wholetime orthodontists is under active consideration at present. It is expected that the Western Health Board post will be readvertised as soon as agreement is reached on this issue.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are approximately 800 people in the Western Health Board area waiting for this treatment and unless something is done very soon it will possibly take over two years to have them treated?
I certainly agree with the Deputy. The figure is, in fact, 790 awaiting this treatment. The appointment of an additional orthodontist has been approved. The post was advertised by the Local Appointments Commission in February, 1976, but the only eligible candidate who applied withdrew on the advice of the Irish Dental Association. The Deputy can see there are some problems there which we hope to have resolved very soon.