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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Helen Keogh

Question:

23 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the large number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment in the three categories; the plans, if any, he has to clear these lists through the services of private orthodontists in order to alleviate the critical situation which has existed for years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20667/96]

Limerick East): The provision of orthodontic services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. Persons requiring orthodontic treatment are assessed by the appropriate board in accordance with guidelines issued by my Department and placed on waiting lists according to the severity of their treatment need.

In some areas there are large numbers of children on the waiting lists and there can be long waiting periods for orthodontic treatment. I accept that such waiting periods are undesirable.

The health board orthodontic services are currently being developed in accordance with the Dental Health Action Plan. The action plan provides for the phased improvement of orthodontic treatment services through a consultant led orthodontic service in each health board. Most health boards now have a consultant in place and are consolidating and extending their orthodontic services under the overall direction and supervision of the consultant. A primary task of the consultant is to organise and co-ordinate orthodontic training to sub-consultant level for health board dental staff. This enables health boards to provide a greatly increased volume of service and a service of high quality.

Where health boards have been successful in recruiting consultant orthodontists the services provided by these boards have been considerably improved. This demonstrates, very clearly, the success of my Department's strategy of consultant led teams for the provision of orthodontic services. It is not envisaged under the dental health action plan that health boards should make arrangements with private orthodontists for clearing existing waiting lists.
I will, in conjunction with the health boards, continue to develop the consultant led orthodontic services over the course of the dental health action plan. The ultimate objective is to bring the level of service provision in line with the level of treatment need.
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