Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Derek McDowell

Question:

45 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children currently waiting for dental appointments and orthodontic treatment in the public health service in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; the steps that are being taken to deal with waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18538/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of dental and orthodontic services to children in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area is the statutory responsibility of that health authority.

Dental treatment services for children in national schools are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. For the past number of years health boards have been progressively adopting a planned targeted approach to the delivery of dental services to national school children and phasing out a demand led system. This is to ensure the optimum use of dental resources and equal access for all national school children to the same level of dental care.

Children in second, fourth and fifth classes are screened for dental treatment through the school health examination. Children who, following the school screening, are found to have serious problems and need more frequent review between school screenings will have this arranged at the local clinic.

Children on leaving national school retain entitlement to dental services up to age 14. These services are provided through an extension of the school-based system. The children are asked to return to the clinic for screening and treatment as necessary on a rotational basis. An emergency service is available by attendance at health board clinics.

Waiting lists for orthodontic treatment are maintained by the health authority. I understand that as at 9 June, there were 9,797 awaiting orthodontic assessment and 885 awaiting orthodontic treatment. Health board orthodontic services continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. This year I am providing an additional £0.3 million to the Eastern Regional Health Authority on an ongoing basis to further the development of its orthodontic services.

My Department recently gave approval for two additional posts of consultant orthodontist in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area. The authority is in the process of filling these posts through the Local Appointments Commission. In addition the authority is setting up two new regional orthodontic units at Loughlinstown Hospital and Beaumont Hospital.

At my request the Eastern Regional Health Authority has submitted proposals to me as to how waiting lists and waiting times for orthodontic treatment might be reduced. These proposals are being examined in my Department and I hope to respond shortly to the authority.