asked the Minister for Health the reason no action has been taken to remedy the position whereby there were only six dentists in County Meath treating eligible patients of which there are 3,439 on the waiting- list since 1979; and in view of the fact that 932 children have been referred for orthodontic treatment in the county and that only 83 can be treated this year, if he has any plans to deal with the matter.
Written Answers. - Meath Dental Waiting List.
147.
The services of seven wholetime public dental officers and one part-time are now available. The services of 27 dentists in private practice in the North Eastern region are also available under the choice-of-dentist scheme introduced late in 1979.
The average waiting period for treatment in County Meath is six to 12 weeks for children and two to 12 weeks for adults, reflecting a considerable improvement in the overall position.
There are 160 children on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment, 190 are receiving treatment and approximately 200 new cases present every year.
As I indicated in replying to a question by Deputy Boland on 13 November, Official Report, Volume 324, column 466, I have authorised additional appointments of orthodontists.