asked the Minister for Health the average length of time children have to wait for orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Orthodontic Treatment.
13.
The average length of time which children in the Eastern Health Board who may require removable appliance orthodontic treatment wait for a consultation and assessment of their condition is six to 12 months, and children assessed as needing the treatment wait about six months before beginning treatment. The Eastern Health Board has not yet been successful in its efforts to recruit a consultant orthodontist who will provide complicated fixed appliance orthodontic therapy. As a result, average waiting times for fixed appliance therapy are not available.