Vol. 496 No. 6
309 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to change the regulations and criteria governing eligibility for orthodontic treatment under the public health scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23539/98]
Owing to 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, 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 guidelines. This group, which includes health board consultant orthodontists, is due to report to the chief executive officers of the health board 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.
