Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 4

Written Answers - Orthodontic Service.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

203 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will guarantee that the 5,745 patients awaiting orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board area, and who are categorised as category II patients, will receive the treatment to which they are entitled; the contact, if any, he has had with the health board to ensure that this waiting list is eliminated within a reasonable period of time; and the number of those on the category II waiting list who will receive the orthodontic treatment to which they are entitled in each of the years 1998 and 1999 and later. [6416/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons and the maintenance of waiting lists in the Eastern Health Board is the statutory responsibility of the board. The Eastern Health Board's orthodontic services are currently being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. Because of the high cost of providing orthodontic treatment it is important that resources be used to best advantage and for those most severly affected-handicapped. Patients, are therefore, assessed for treatment in accordance with guidelines issued by my Department and placed on waiting lists in descending order of severity-handicap.

I am informed by the board that there are currently 5,745 patients on the board's category II assessment waiting list. The estimated waiting time for an assessment appointment is currently 31 to 36 months. Following assessment patients who are assessed as category II cases are referred to the treatment list and called for treatment at an early date. All patients who are assessed as category II cases will receive treatment by the board. Since the opening of the board's regional orthodontic department in September 1996, 3,156 patients have commenced a treatment programme and considerable progress has been made in reducing waiting times for assessment and for treatment. Varying degrees of treatment needs are recommended in respect of each individual patient. It is, therefore, not possible to predict with certainty the exact number of patients who will be undergoing treatment at the end of each year 1998 and 1999. My Department is in regular contact with the board in relation to the development of its orthodontic services. The board is also required to submit performance indicators under its service plans.