Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

270 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children on waiting lists in respect of orthodontic treatment; the average length of time these patients are expected to remain on waiting lists before treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6239/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of orthodontic treatment and the maintenance of waiting lists are the statutory responsibility of the health boards.

I have had inquiries made of the health boards and the information requested is as follows:

HealthBoard	No. awaiting orthodontic treatment	Average length of time
EHB	Nil awaiting treatment6,649 awaiting assessment	3 years 10 months
MHB	645	2 years
MWHB	834	1-1½ years
NEHB	1,140	2 years
NWHB	1,051	12-30 months
SEHB	511	18 months
WHB	3,800	2½ years

The orthodontic services continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The action plan provides for the development by each health board of a consultant-led orthodontic service. This ensures a service of high quality and high service levels.

At the suggestion of my Department, an orthodontic review group was set up by the health boards to prepare a report and make recommendations on the orthodontic services. 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.

I understand that this group has recently made its report to the chief executive officers of the health boards and is now under consideration by them.