Paul McGrath
Question:98 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment in County Westmeath; and if she has any proposals to shorten the waiting time for treatment.
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List.
Children are assessed by the health board for the provision of orthodontic treatment in accordance with guidelines issued by my Department. There are no category A cases, which is the category of greatest severity, currently awaiting treatment in the Longford/Westmeath area.
I understand from the board that a total of 462 children in other categories are on the waiting list for treatment in the Longford/Westmeath community care area.
Orthodontic services for the Longford/Westmeath area are currently provided by the health board through sessional arrangements with two private orthodontists. Despite the recently improved salary and conditions approved for consultant orthodontists the board were unsuccessful in recruiting a person to fill the vacant consultant post in a recent competition. The board are now considering what other options are available to them to improve the service being provided.