Health boards have statutory responsibility for the provision of orthodontic services in their areas and the waiting lists for treatment are maintained by the boards. Because of the high cost of orthodontic therapy, health boards can only provide this treatment where a child has a handicapping orthodontic condition. Children are assessed therefore in accordance with guidelines drawn up by my Department to ensure that resources are used to best advantage and for those most affected or handicapped.
The orthodontic services in the Eastern Health Board, in common with other health boards, are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The action plan provides for the development of a consultant led orthodontic service. A consultant led orthodontic service ensures a service of high quality and high service levels.
I understand from the Eastern Health Board that since the introduction of consultant led orthodontic services in the board in September 1996 significant inroads have been made into orthodontic assessment waiting lists.
In 1996 there were 681 patients listed in category 1 and 10,676 in category 2. The average waiting time for assessment was five years and ten months. In the intervening three years the Category 1 list has been reduced to 83 patients and the Category 2 list to 7736. In this same period the average waiting time for assessment has been reduced by two years to three years and ten months. Treatment commences soon after assessment. A target objective for the orthodontic services is that no child should be more than two years on a waiting list for treatment. A number of health boards are close to achieving this target objective.
My Department is currently considering proposals from the board for the development of two further regional orthodontic units, one in north Dublin and another in Dublin south east.
It is not necessary for all work to be carried out by consultant orthodontists. Dental surgeons, some with the M. Orth qualification, treat patients under the direction and supervision of a consultant orthodontist.
The board has confirmed that the person to whom the Deputy is referring is on the board's Category 2 waiting list for assessment to determine her eligibility for orthodontic treatment through the public health service. The board has not been able to give an exact appointment date, but she can expect to be seen in the very near future.
