Róisín Shortall
Ceist:35 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to reduce waiting lists for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19850/97]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:51 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to further reduce waiting lists for orthodontic treatment within the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19887/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 51 together.
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 the operation of a consulant-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.
Six health boards now have consultant orthodontists in place together with their supporting teams. High service levels are being achieved by these boards with reductions in waiting times.
The two remaining boards have not yet succeeded in recruiting consultants despite a number of attempts. However, one of the remaining boards proposes to readvertise the post through the Local Appointments Commission in the near future and is hopeful of filling the post on this occasion.
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.