Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Questions (431)

Michael McGrath

Question:

431. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children on a waiting list for orthodontic assessment and treatment in Cork city and county, including, in each case, the number of those waiting up to six months, those waiting six months to 12 months, those waiting 12 months to 24 months and those waiting more than 24 months; the steps the Health Service Executive is taking to reduce these waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45832/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 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. Information on waiting times is collated by the HSE by region and for the intervals as shown below. Cork City and County are part of the HSE South region. The most recent information relates to the third quarter of 2015.

HSE South

Waiting time from referral to assessment	1 - 6 months	7 - 12 months	13 - 24 months	>2 years	Total
No. of Patients	1,329	551	3	0	1,883

Waiting time from assessment to commencement of treatment	1 - 6 months	7 - 12 months	13 - 24 months	25 - 36 months	37 - 48 months	Over 48 months	TOTAL
No. of patients	662	802	994	783	666	306	4,213

A pilot scheme in the Dublin North East area (DNE), which involves up-skilling staff to work as orthodontic therapists, is currently underway. One member of the dental hygienist staff and one member of the dental nursing staff completed a one-year training course in September 2015. They are now working in the HSE under the supervision of specialist orthodontists. The scheme is currently undergoing an evaluation, which includes consideration of how the scheme is affecting waiting lists. Figures are currently being collated and early indications are positive. It is planned to extend the scheme nationally after the evaluation has been completed.

In addition, a national procurement process is currently underway to provide treatment for certain categories of misalignment by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE over the next three years, with consideration of an extension to four years. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for four years or longer. Tenders are currently being evaluated and contracts will be awarded in the coming weeks. It is expected that these initiatives will have a positive impact on waiting times.