Vol. 520 No. 2
113 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 on 14 December 1999, he will outline the progress made in the dental treatment of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who is now waiting ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15612/00]
As the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in Dublin 12 is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, I have asked the regional chief executive of that health authority to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.
114 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 25 May 2000, the most recent year when dentists were trained to become orthodontists in the Southern Health Board region; the number of dentists that were trained at the time; the reason no such training is taking place at present; the plans he has to take action in order to enable such training to recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15613/00]
I understand from the Southern Health Board that up to April 1999, the board had a training programme to train two orthodontists to consultant level but following an inspection by the specialist advisory committee for orthodontic training, recognition for specialist training was withdrawn. Two trainee orthodontists were in training at the time.
I have recently given my consent to the Dental Council for the creation of a specialist register in orthodontics. The Dental Council must satisfy itself as to the acceptability of training programmes for entry to the specialist register.
The Dental Council is currently engaged in consultation with all interest groups regarding a framework for dental specialist training in this country. This process will be completed by September of this year. I understand that all regional orthodontic centres will be invited to participate in the training programmes.
As part of this process I will be advising the Dental Council of the urgent need for 30 trained specialists in orthodontics in the public dental service.
