Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 6

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

30 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline, in respect of the serious backlog on the orthodontic list within the North Eastern Health Board, whether he has made provision to alleviate this situation as previously promised by the appointment of a principal dental officer; if he will further outline the frequency with which patients are taken in for re-assessment; the number on the present list for treatment in the County Clinic, Cavan; and the number who have been treated in the County Clinic, Cavan, to date this year.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I understand from the North Eastern Health Board that a permanent principal dental surgeon will shortly be appointed for the Cavan-Monaghan area. On his appointment the health board propose to review existing arrangements for the provision of specialist orthodontic treatment for the area and to assess the need for increased provision.

Children from the Cavan-Monaghan area are being screened for the provision of orthodontic treatment at the rate of 50-60 children per week. A total of 207 children are currently listed for orthodontic treatment in the Cavan-Monaghan area. An additional 71 have yet to be categorised. These will receive appointments before the end of this month. A total of 341 children are currently receiving treatment in the Cavan-Monaghan area. In 1990 a total of 160 children received treatment. In 1989 the total number treated was 45.