Seán Ryan
Question:209 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health the possible date for orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the number on the waiting list for such treatment; and this person's place on the list.
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.
It is not possible at present to indicate when treatment will be provided for the person referred to, as the Eastern Health Board is currently in the process of reviewing the cases on its orthodontic waiting list and assigning priority in relation to the severity of the orthodontic condition of each patient.
Since November 1989, the Government has made special allocations of £1 million to the health boards to provide additional orthodontic treatment for top priority cases. This amount supplements the moneys already allocated by the health boards for orthodontic services.
The Department is closely monitoring progress being made in the current year to reduce the orthodontic waiting lists and will take further action if necessary. Four vacant posts of consultant orthodontist in the health board dental service, are being advertised with more attractive conditions of service. A fifth post, in the Eastern Health Board, has already been advertised. In addition arrangements are in place to train a number of health board dental surgeons from the Eastern Health Board in advanced orthodontic techniques.