Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of children currently listed as awaiting orthodontic treatment; the extent to which the waiting list has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37135/14]
View answerThe HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. It should be noted that the nature of orthodontic care means that immediate treatment is not always desirable. It is estimated that in up to 5% of cases it is necessary to wait for further growth to take place before treatment commences. Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need are provided with treatment by the HSE. The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Year |
No. of Patients awaiting treatment |
|
2009 |
11,519 |
|
2010* |
11,604 |
|
2011** |
9,493 |
|
2012** |
9,824 |
|
2013 |
15,540 |
|
2014 (Q2) |
16,518 |
* Figures for the former Western Area not available;
** HSE Figures for former Western and South Eastern Areas not available.
