asked the Minister for Health if he will consider providing another dental hospital in this country, as the present two hospitals in Dublin and Cork have a waiting list on which some people have been for three and a half years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Hospital.
8.
I am not satisfied that a case exists for the establishment of a third dental hospital since the existing hospitals produce more than the number of graduates required annually in this country.
I understand that there is no appreciable delay in having patients referred to Cork Dental Hospital dealt with.
As regards Dublin, substantial delays occur mainly in relation to orthodontic cases. This is due primarily to shortage of specialised staff but efforts are being made to alleviate this situation.
Would the Minister give some indication of what is the average waiting time in Dublin?
I have not that information but the delay is very considerable.