Vol. 455 No. 3
21 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the further plans, if any, he has to dramatically improve the orthodontic services for teenagers in the Dublin region in view of the long waiting lists and the dissatisfaction with these services. [12063/95]
Limerick East): The provision of orthodontic services in the Dublin region is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board.
I am aware that, despite an increase in service provision, the numbers on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board are considerable with consequent long waiting periods for persons on the waiting lists.
The board is addressing this issue and is developing the service with funding provided by my Department under the dental health action plan. Unfortunately, the health board has experienced considerable difficulty in retaining the services of orthodontists at consultant level. The board is at present sharing a consultant orthodontist with the Dublin Dental Hospital and my Department recently approved the creation of an additional two consultant posts for the board.
My Department, following discussions with the board, has agreed a framework for the development of a consultant-led orthodontic service in accordance with the strategy outlined in the dental health action plan. The objective is to develop orthodontic services in the Eastern Health Board area to a level consistent with treatment needs. It is my intention to make additional funds available to the Eastern Health Board to further develop its consultant-led orthodontic services.
