Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Jim Higgins

Question:

192 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children on the orthodontic waiting list in the Western Health Board area; the number of orthodontists approved by this Department for employment with the board; and the measures, if any, he will take to reduce the present two year waiting list for services. [13090/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of orthodontic services to eligible persons in the Western Health Board area and the maintenance of waiting lists is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I have been advised by the Western Health Board that the total number of children on the orthodontic waiting list is 3,333.

According to my Department's records, three dental teams were approved under the dental health action plan to support the consultant orthodontist. The board may also deploy additional dental teams to the unit from within existing approved staff levels. I understand that in addition to the consultant, the board currently has three full time and one part time dental teams employed in the unit.

My Department had recent detailed discussions with the Western Health Board on the operation of the regional orthodontic unit. There has been a steady rise in the number undergoing treatment, rising from about 600 in 1994 to 3,300 by the end of 1997. The quality of clinical care being provided is up to the highest international standards. It is expected that the waiting period for treatment, which is currently two years, will be reduced progressively over 1999.