I am aware of the difficulties being experienced in the provision of orthodontic services. These difficulties are being addressed and progress is being made on a number of fronts.
Following recommendations in the Moran report, Review of Orthodontic Services, structural changes are being introduced in the orthodontic services. One of the review group's recommendations was that appropriately trained, qualified and registered specialist orthodontists be employed in regional orthodontic units, to ensure the continuation of a high quality service. In line with this, my Department is working to progress, with the relevant authorities, the establishment of training programmes for dentists to allow them to reach the level of specialist. An accord has been reached between the Dental Council the two dental schools and hospitals in Dublin and Cork and the Irish committee for specialist training in dentistry, to establish specialist dental training in this country on a sound footing. The Dental Council has set up a specialist register which will recognise a dental speciality in orthodontics and the issue of a specialist grade in orthodontics within the health board service is currently being negotiated under the auspices of the Health Service Employers Agency.
I am confident that the setting up of a specialist register in orthodontics and creation of the grade of specialist orthodontist in the health service, should mean a substantial improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the orthodontic service. I have also approached the Dental Council concerning the creation of a scheme for the recognition of auxiliary dental workers in orthodontics. This grade would act as a support to the consultant orthodontist, specialists and other dentists working in the orthodontic unit, thus enabling greater caseloads to be achieved. However, it will be some time before these structural changes impact significantly on service levels.