A special allocation of £3 million was made available in the budget for 1990 for the development of dental and orthodontic services. A further £3 million was made available as a special allocation in the 1991 budget and £1 million was specifically earmarked by my Department for orthodontic services. As a result of these special provisions an additional 2,500 children began their courses of secondary orthodontic care in 1990. The 1991 allocation has enabled these children to continue with their treatment and has enabled a further two and a half thousand children to begin treatment this year. Priority in orthodontic treatment is being given to children with the most serious orthodontic conditions in accordance with guidelines issued to health boards by my Department.
The level of orthodontic service provided by the health boards has been affected by difficulties in the recruitment of consultant orthodontists. The Local Appointments Commission recently held a competition to fill existing vacancies with improved conditions and salary and I am confident that at least two additional consultant appointments will be made to health boards as a result of this competition. The recruitment of consultant orthodontists will considerably enhance the orthodontic services provided by health boards.
As well as providing a major clinical commitment, it is envisaged that as soon as possible the newly appointed consultants will commence orthodontic training of dental surgeons from the health boards staff. This training programme will enable the less severe cases to be treated by a specifically trained dentist and the health boards will, therefore, be able to deal more expeditiously and effectively with cases requiring treatment.