Emmet Stagg
Question:39 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health the total number of orthodontists employed by health boards and the number he proposes to recruit in 1990.
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Services.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:73 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health the number of orthodontists employed by each of the health boards; the number of vacancies which exist; the number on the waiting lists for orthodontic services in each health board area; the anticipated length of time it will take to clear these waiting lists; the plans and proposals he has for the provision of orthodontic services especially for people who are unable to afford these services privately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 39 and 73 together.
Every dental practitioner undergoes basic training in orthodontics and can provide routine orthodontic treatment. However, the more complicated treatments can only be carried out by or under the guidance of dentists with specialist training.
Six fulltime posts of consultant orthodontist were created for the health board dental service but only one post, that in the Mid-Western Health Board, has been filled despite repeated advertisement of all the posts both in Ireland and abroad over the past few years. I am committed to the filling of the five vacant posts of consultant orthodontist for the health board dental service. The conditions attached to the posts are under examination in my Department at present to see if they can be made more attractive to potential candidates.
With regard to the numbers awaiting orthodontic services, I have asked the health boards to update their waiting lists. The Deputy will be aware that the Government made a special allocation of £300,000 available to the health boards late in 1989 to enable treatment to commence on 500 top priority cases before the end of 1989. I am actively examining the possibility of making further additional funds available for this purpose in the current year. It must be pointed out that these sums supplement the not inconsiderable sums already allocated by the health boards to the provision of orthodontic treatment.
I will communicate with the Deputy when the updated waiting lists are available.