Vol. 534 No. 4
147 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will clarify the situation with regard to the orthodontic service provided via health boards; the criteria necessary if rotated front teeth quality for this service; if not, the reason therefor, in view of the fact that private dentists say a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9, needs a service, however the Eastern Regional Health Authority rules seem to suggest otherwise. [11084/01]
The provision of orthodontic services to eligible persons in Dublin 9 is the responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the first instance. In 1985, my Department issued guidelines to health boards on the criteria applicable in assessing priority of need for specialist orthodontic treatment; the guidelines are based on the degree of handicap and severity of malocclusion which prioritises need for treatment.
The report of the review group on orthodontic services, the Moran report, recommended that all health boards use the same severity index to determine need and that provision of orthodontic treatment should continue on the basis of priority need. There have been discussions between my Department and representatives of the health board chief executive officers on the report and its implications. Proposals in the report are being progressively implemented. Amendments to the 1985 guidelines are being finalised with the health board chief executive officers and the review group on orthodontic services. I have asked the chief executive officer of that authority to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
