Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Western Health Board Orthodontic Service.

Jim Higgins

Ceist:

77 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health, in view of the fact that the last screening for orthodontic treatment in the Western Health Board area was in 1985 and, in view of the fact that there are almost 4,000 children awaiting orthodontic treatment, when he anticipates the next screening will take place; whether further orthodontists will be appointed in the interim; the measures he proposes to take in order to improve the level of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Children seeking orthodontic treatment in the Western Health Board are screened by the principal dental officers to determine the gravity of their condition as priority in the provision of treatment is given to the most serious conditions.

The board have sought to fill the post of full-time consultant orthodontist but without success. I am reviewing the conditions of employment attached to these posts at present to see if they can be made more attractive to potential candidates. Meanwhile, the Western Health Board use the services of private specialist orthodontists and are also considering the creation of a senior registrar post in orthodontics. It is my intention to continue to bring about improvements in the orthodontic service which were commenced in autumn 1989 as a result of the special £300,000 allocation which enabled treatment to begin immediately on 500 high priority cases.