Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
122
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
his views on the current state of the national orthodontic service; and if the guidelines for orthodontic assessment are about to be changed with a view to reducing the number of patients eligible for treatment.
[24515/00]
Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin): There are difficulties in the orthodontic service due to a variety of factors, a number of which are not within the control of my Department. These difficulties are being addressed and progress is being made on a number of fronts.
The dental health action plan which was launched in 1994 provides for the development by each health board of a consultant led orthodontic service. Most health boards now have a consultant service in place and services continue to be developed in accordance with the action plan.
However, the service targets currently being achieved fall somewhat short of the targets set under the action plan.
Following a review of the orthodontic services carried out by health boards in 1998 – the Moran report – structural changes are being introduced in the orthodontic services. A grade of specialist in orthodontics will be introduced following completion of negotiations under the Health Service Employers Agency. Efforts are being made to progress with the relevant authorities the putting in place of training programmes for dentists working in the regional units to allow them to reach specialist level. My Department has approached the Dental Council concerning the recognition of a new grade of auxiliary dental worker in orthodontics.
I hope that these structural changes, when fully on stream, will allow target service levels to be achieved.
In the meantime, I have been considering in the context of the Estimates for 2001 a special initiative on the orthodontic waiting lists. On the assumption that sufficient funding can be made available, the main features of this initiative would be recruitment of additional dental teams; additional sessions for existing dental teams; and additional contractual arrangements with private orthodontists at approved rates.
The current guidelines for the provision of orthodontic treatment were issued by my Department in 1985. I propose to reissue these guidelines shortly to health boards. Category A and category B will be substantially the same as in the 1985 guidelines but category B will be extended, to include an aesthetic component.
