asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement in relation to the difficulties facing the Southern Health Board in appointing orthodontists; and the steps he proposes to take to assist the appointment of new orthodontists in view of the large number of people on the waiting lists for such treatment.
Written Answers. - Southern Health Board Orthodontists.
97.
It has proven difficult to attract suitable candidates to the posts of consultant orthodontist in the health board dental service and five of the six posts created, including the post in the Southern Health Board, remain vacant. I am committed to the direct employment by the health boards of consultant orthodontists as the most efficient method of delivering orthodontic services. With this purpose in mind, a review of the conditions attached to the posts is being undertaken in my Department at present to make the posts more attractive before they are readvertised. The review will be completed in the next few weeks.