Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

78 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health his views on a situation where a health board orthodontic clinic questions patients about whether they hold a medical card; his views on whether this type of question is necessary in a public health care system in that it causes genuine distress and anxiety among people who may not be within the limits for medical cards but who are unable to pay for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18901/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Eligibility for orthodontic treatment is not determined by reference to medical card entitlement. However, eligibility for other dental treatments, such as fillings, scaling and fissure sealants, is determined by whether or not a person is covered by a medical card. It is, therefore, necessary to inquire as to the eligibility status of patients, so that they can be referred appropriately to either the public or private dental service.

The Deputy will appreciate that any necessary dental treatments must be provided before orthodontic treatment is commenced.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

79 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health his views on the refusal of orthodontic treatment to two 13 year old girls (details supplied) in Dublin 14 who have been on the category B list since the beginning of the decade and who were told last week that their names would be deleted from the waiting lists; if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion that this refusal of orthodontic treatment has become widespread in recent months in this health board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18902/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The provision of orthodontic treatment services for the Dublin area is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board. Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to review the cases of the persons named by the Deputy and to inform the Deputy of the outcome of this review.

The Eastern Health Board has provided a new orthodontic unit at St. James's Hospital under the consultant orthodontist who took up duty with the board earlier this year. The setting up of this unit with the assistance of funds provided by my Department under the dental health action plan and the successful recruitment by the board of a consultant orthodontist on a full-time basis considerably enhances the orthodontic services provided by the health board.

It is the responsibility of the consultant orthodontist to ensure that orthodontic treatment services are provided to those who will benefit from such treatment and are provided in accordance with the guidelines issued by my Department to health boards for the provision of orthodontic treatment services.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

80 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the average child assessed as requiring orthodontic treatment has been in the late teens before such treatment is begun; his views on the different assessment and priority given by local health board dentists and the central assessment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18903/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Guidelines in relation to the provision of orthodontic services were issued to health boards by my Department in 1985.

These guidelines were introduced to ensure that resources would be used to the best advantage and for those most severely affected. Patients are assessed for treatment in accordance with these guidelines and placed on waiting lists as appropriate. These guidelines are still in force. It is the responsibility of the health board's consultant orthodontist to ensure that the Department's guidelines are implemented in a uniform and equitable manner throughout the health board.

Having regard to the provisions outlined in the Health Strategy, the dental health action plan and the additional resources provided to health boards over the past few years for developments in the orthodontic services I have asked my Department in consultation with health boards and their consultant orthodontists to review the 1985 guidelines. This review is directed to ensuring equity in the provision of orthodontic treatment throughout the health boards and that those placed on waiting lists for treatment actually receive treatment within a reasonable period of time having regard to the resources available to the boards. This review is at present under way.

The development of the orthodontic services in accordance with the dental health action plan is leading to improved service provision and shorter waiting periods for treatment. However, as matters currently stand there can be long waiting periods in some areas. Many children can, therefore, be advanced in their teenage years before treatment is provided.