Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2012

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Questions (511, 533)

Joe Higgins

Question:

511. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on waiting times for orthodontic procedures across the State; if he will indicate if a willingness of persons on the lists of hospitals where the wait is longer may be accommodated in hospitals with shorter waiting times if they indicate a willingness to travel for their procedure; if a review of the way to reduce orthodontic waiting times is underway; and if so, the progress that has been made [41236/12]

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

533. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health if the independent review of orthodontic services has been completed and if he has had an opportunity to consider its findings; if he will provide any details on the recommendations relating the best possible model of care delivery in order that those currently on waiting lists will be treated as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41504/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 533 together.

Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need, i.e. Grade 5 or Grade 4 are provided with treatment by the HSE. Assessments and treatments are not generally carried out in hospitals, except in cases where additional intervention such as oral surgery is required. Orthodontic services are currently provided in 9 areas as listed below. Within each area movement may be accommodated at the request of the patient. The most recent information available is for the first quarter of 2012 and is set out below. Some figures are unavailable due to staff shortages in some areas. This issue is being addressed by the HSE.

Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2012

Area	Grade 5 (formerly Category A)	Waiting time (Months)	Grade A (formerly Category B)	Waiting time (Months)
South Western	505	n/a	693	n/a
Mid-Leinster	441	n/a	456	36
Midland	175	16	980	n/a
Northern/North Eastern	1,375	5	1,519	n/a
South Eastern	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Southern	381	n/a	1,496	18
Western	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Mid Western	1,252*	24*	-	-
North Western	332	12	219	21

* Grade 4 and Grade 5 combined

Preparatory work is currently underway for a review of orthodontic services, which will specifically look at different models of care. The review is expected to be completed in early 2013.