Vol. 493 No. 3
257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the volume of orthodontic waiting lists are acceptable in view of the use of regulations introduced in 1985 and advances in technology in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16761/98]
302 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the regulations for orthodontic treatment in order to ensure that all children seeking this treatment receive it. [16143/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 302 together.
Because of the high cost of fixed appliance orthodontic therapy, health boards can only provide this treatment where a child has a handicapping orthodontic condition. Children are assessed therefore, in accordance with guidelines drawn up by my Department in 1985 to ensure that resources are used to best advantage and for those most affected or handicapped.
At the suggestion of my Department, an orthodontic review group has been set up by the health boards to examine a range of issues in relation to the orthodontic services including the 1985 guidelines. This group, which includes health board consultant orthodontists, is due to report to the chief executive officers of the health boards in the near future. The objective of this review is to ensure equity in the provision of orthodontic treatment throughout the health boards having regard to the additional resources provided to health boards over the past few years under the dental health action plan for developments in orthodontic services.
