Vol. 410 No. 6
129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current position in relation to the number of children on the waiting list seeking orthodontic treatment; when he expects the list to be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Despite the difficulties experienced by the health boards up to now in recruiting consultant orthodontists, 4,000 children will be receiving on-going orthodontic treatment by September as a result of the additional moneys provided in the budgets in 1990 and 1991.
The Local Appointments Commission recently advertised vacancies in health boards for six consultant orthodontist posts with improved salary and conditions of service. I am confident that a number of suitable candidates will be recruited as a result of this and that there will be a further major improvement in existing service levels very quickly.
Health boards are at present assessing children in accordance with guidelines drawn up by my Department to determine treatment need for fixed appliance orthodontic therapy and drawing up waiting lists on a prioritised basis.
130 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath has to wait three years before receiving orthodontic treatment in the North-Eastern Health Board area.
The North Eastern Health Board are providing secondary care orthodontic services for children who have severe orthodontic conditions as laid down in guidelines drawn up by my Department, Children are assessed and prioritised in accordance with the severity of their orthodontic condition. Priority in the provision of treatment is given to children in the top priority categories.
The person referred to by the Deputy was assessed by the health board's dental service for the provision of orthodontic treatment. She is not in a priority category. However, every effort will be made by the health board to provide treatment for her at the earliest opportunity.
The Local Appointments Commission recently advertised vacancies for consultant orthodontists with the health boards including a vacancy with the North Eastern Health Board. The salary and conditions of service attached to the appointment of consultant orthodontist have been improved which make the appointment more attractive. I am confident that a number of suitable candidates will come forward. The successful recruitment of a consultant orthodontist to the North Eastern Health Board would lead to a major improvement in existing service levels.
