The health board orthodontic services are currently being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The action plan provides for the phased improvement of orthodontic treatment services through a consultant led orthodontic service in each health board. A primary task of the consultant is to organise and co-ordinate orthodontic training to sub-consultant level for health board dental staff. This enables health boards to provide a greatly increased volume of service and a service of high quality. I will, in conjunction with the health boards, continue to develop the consultant led orthodontic services over the course of the dental health action plan. The ultimate objective is to bring the level of service provision in line with the level of treatment need. The provision of orthodontic services to eligible children at St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork and the maintenance of waiting lists is the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board. My Department has provided funding to the board for the development of its orthodontic services in accordance with the dental health action plan.
I have been advised by the Southern Health Board that the waiting list is segregated into patients awaiting assessment and those awaiting treatment. The current numbers on both lists are 2,200 awaiting treatment and 4,900 awaiting assessment. Those who have been assessed as category A, the category of greatest need, receive immediate treatment.
I understand that the board is at present reviewing its position regarding the provision of orthodontic services and is considering a number of options, including the temporary appointment of a senior registrar and registrar.