asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the undue delay experienced by patients requiring treatment at the Dental Hospital, Dublin; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Dental Hospital Service.
5.
I presume the Deputy's question relates to the services provided at the Dublin Dental Hospital for adults and children from the Dublin area who are eligible for services under the Health Acts.
I am informed that there is no undue delay in providing treatment for patients, except in the case of adult patients who require dentures and children who have been referred under the School Health Service for orthodontic treatment. The hospital and the Eastern Health Board are taking action to try to reduce the delay in providing dentures. The possibility of reducing the waiting time for orthodontic treatment is also under examination but the shortage of orthodontists suggests that an early solution to this problem is unlikely.
Would the Minister be in a position to say what is the present delay for orthodontic treatment?
I have not got the delay for that. For dental treatment and dentures, as a result of a number of wholetime dental officers holding evening sessions the waiting list has been reduced from 900 to 500 in a recent period.
Would the Minister have any figures for time? Would it be six months, 12 months?
The main point is that orthodontists are difficult to get. Even though proper salaries have been offered, orthodontists do not apply for the positions.