Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 2

Written Answers. - Dental Training.

Alan Shatter

Question:

129 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will intervene with the Dublin Dental Hospital to establish a national training programme to provide in service training for staff involved in providing public service orthodontic treatment within the Eastern Health Board area and other health board regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5866/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

My Department has commenced discussions with the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board to review the entire organisational arrangements for orthodontic services in its area and the role of the Dublin Dental Hospital in the provision of training in orthodontics for health board staff.

Senior officials in my Department have also arranged a meeting with representatives of the Irish Consultants' Orthodontic Group and I have asked them to report back to me. The orthodontic review group set up by the chief executive officers of the health boards at the suggestion of my Department has also examined issues in relation to training in orthodontics. This group, which includes health board consultant orthodontists, is due to report to the chief executive officers in the near future.

I am concerned to ensure that the academic and training programmes of both dental schools in orthodontics and other disciplines adequately reflect current and future needs of the public dental service under the health strategy and the dental health action plan. Following the developments which I have outlined I will, as necessary, consult my colleague the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Martin, to achieve this objective.