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.