asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a young girl (details supplied) in Dublin has been availing herself of the school dental service for the past seven years, during which time it was indicated that her problem could be rectified with suitable orthodontic treatment; and if, in view of the fact that the girl in question is approaching her thirteenth year and the treatment promised has not yet been provided, he will indicate when this vital treatment can be provided.
Written Answers. - Dublin Child's Dental Treatment.
858.
The girl referred to in the question has been attending the Eastern Health Board's dental clinic in Finglas for treatment since April 1976. However, it was not until January 1982 that her condition was assessed as being suitable for orthodontic treatment. The treatment was of a type which required her referral to the Dublin Dental Hospital and the health board placed her name on their waiting list for treatment there. The waiting list is quite extensive, however, and the health board cannot say when treatment might commence.
A new post of consultant orthodontist in the Eastern Health Board is among five such posts which have been approved and which it is hoped to fill soon. The filling of this post should help considerably to reduce the waiting list for orthodontic treatment.