Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 7

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

89 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the number of children who received their first orthodontic treatment from 1 July 1994, to date; the number of patients currently under such treatment; the number still on waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [986/94]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

91 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the current number of categories one, two and three orthodontic patients in each health board throughout the country at the present time; the number who have received treatment in 1994 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [988/94]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 91 together. The health boards are statutorily responsible for the provision of orthodontic services and I have asked each health board to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested.

This year I initiated the first phase of a major development plan for the dental services. The plan provides for the improvement of secondary care orthodontic services through the recruitment of additional consultant orthodontists and dental support staff. This year additional funding of over £1 million was provided by me to health boards for ten dentists and necessary support staff to train and work on secondary care orthodontics under the direction of the consultant orthodontists.

My Department is at present in consultation with individual health boards as to their requirements having regard to my policy of developing a consultantled secondary care orthodontic service. Under the plan the consultant orthodontist will continue to organise and co-ordinate training for health board dentists so that a fully developed framework of orthodontic expertise is available to meet the needs of this area of the dental services.

Top
Share