Tom Kitt
Question:95 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to reduce the ever increasing waiting list for children in need of orthodontic treatment. [15946/95]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List.
Limerick East): Under the dental health action plan the key aims of the public dental service, as outlined in the national health strategy, are being implemented on a phased basis. The action plan provides for the phased improvement of primary and secondary care orthodontic treatment through the development of consultant-led orthodontic services. A total of six consultant orthodontists with support staff have already been appointed to health boards. In addition a consultant orthodontist has been appointed to the national cleft palate unit at St. James's Hospital.
In addition to his/her own direct clinical involvement, each consultant orthodontist is required to organise and co-ordinate training for health board dental surgeons in the provision of orthodontic treatment. This will achieve a high service level at a high standard. Orthodontic treatment for some milder cases can be provided at primary care level by health board dental surgeons who are competent and who have access to consultant advice and cover.
In 1994, under the initial phase of the action plan, an additional £1 million was provided to health boards for an additional ten dental support teams for the consultant orthodontists. This year I approved the appointment of an additional two consultant orthodontists and five dental support teams in the Eastern Health Board. The board has recently advertised the two consultant appointments through the Local Appointments Commission.
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 services. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the demand for orthodontics services is very great and while every effort is made to respond quickly to the more severe cases there is a waiting list for less serious cases.