Vol. 542 No. 5
346 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made to provide a training programme for orthodontists to address the growing waiting lists; if qualified practitioners employed in the public service will have a role in training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25312/01]
Three dentists from the Western Health Board and North Eastern Health Board are currently in specialist training for orthodontics.
In addition, 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 Dublin Dental Hospital, Trinity College and health boards have advertised a specialist training programme in orthodontics and six dentists for the Eastern Regional Health Authority, North Eastern Health Board and South Eastern Health Board commenced their training this month.
The course runs for three years leading to the award of Master in Dental Surgery ‘M.Dent.Ch.' degree from Trinity College Dublin. The clinical training will involve attendance of the six dentists at clinics in the Dublin Dental School and the health board regional orthodontic units. The relevant regional consultant orthodontist – who may be supported by specialist orthodontists – will supervise clinical sessions in their regional orthodontic units.
Therefore, in total, there are nine dentists in specialist training for orthodontics for a number of health boards and discussions on providing an additional training course to commence in 2002 are also under way.
