Vol. 457 No. 4
35 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties created for children who need orthodontic treatment who find themselves in category C; the plans, if any he has to develop the service to include these young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12903/95]
Limerick East): Persons requiring orthodontic treatment are assessed by health boards in accordance with guidelines issued by my Department and placed on waiting lists according to the severity of their treatment need. The cases of greatest need are placed in category A or category B and have priority over persons in category C.
The health board orthodontic services are currently being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The action plan provides for a consultant led orthdontic service in each health board. Most health boards now have a consultant in place and are consolidating and extending their orthodontics services under the overall direction and supervision of the consultant.
In addition to his or her own direct clinical involvement, each consultant is required to organise and co-ordinate training for health board dentists in the provision of orthodontic treatment. This will achieve a high level of service at a high standard.
At present, there is an indefinite waiting period for category C patients. While it will be some time before treatment will be available to category C cases, the planned development of the orthodontic service and the availability of more dentists trained in orthodontics will lead to a significant improvement in the availability of service. The Deputy will appreciate that there is a necessary limit to the additional resources which can be invested each year in this and other services which are not sufficient to meet the demand.
