Vol. 443 No. 3
110 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the escalating frustration and disquiet regarding the provision and waiting period to avail of orthodontic dental services; the proposals, if any, he has to improve such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The position is that, despite considerable improvements made in recent years in the health board orthodontic services, the waiting periods for secondary care orthodontic treatment can, in some instances, be unacceptably long and be a source of concern.
I have addressed the issue under the National Health Strategy in the context of an integrated dental development plan which will be phased in over the next four years. Under the plan, a major aspect of the responsibilities of the consultant orthodontist in a health board, will continue to be to organise and co-ordinate training for health board dentists so that a fully developed framework or orthodontic expertise is available to meet the needs of the public dental services.
