Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 7

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

61 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious back-log for dental treatment, especially orthodontic treatment for young people in the North-Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Children seen by the North-Eastern Health Board's school dental service are screened for orthodontic treatment in accordance with guidelines issued by my Department. Urgent cases, which are Category A, such as cleft lip and palate, receive priority treatment.

There has been a significant improvement in the level of orthodontic services provided by the North-Eastern Health Board as a result of additional moneys made available by my Department to the board since 1989. Recent returns made to my Department by the board indicated that 1,779 children were currently receiving treatment.

The current waiting period for Category B cases is from four months to two years.

A consultant orthodontist post has been approved by my Department for the North-Eastern Health Board but the board has not been successful so far in making an appointment. The board will again have this post re-advertised in the near future. The successful filling of this post will enable the board to make further improvements in its orthodontic services.