David Stanton
Ceist:177 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients awaiting assessment and orthodontic treatment at the University Dental Hospital in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23118/99]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
The provision of orthodontic treatment at University Dental School and Hospital, Cork, is a matter for the authorities of the institution. I understand from the authorities there that the number of patients awaiting assessment is 50. Following the transfer of 100 cases from the Southern Health Board there are 141 patients awaiting treatment.
David Stanton
Ceist:178 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 6 October 1999, any of the five dentists working in the orthodontic clinic at St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, are trained or have received training in orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23119/99]
There are one consultant orthodontist and five dental surgeons working in the orthodontic unit at St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork. Dentists in the orthodontic unit receive in-service training under the overall direction and supervision of the consultant orthodontist.
Cork Dental School and Hospital are putting in place post-graduate training programmes in orthodontics in accordance with the requirements of the specialist advisory committee in orthodontics. It is expected that these programmes will commence in the next academic year. Dentists in the unit will have an opportunity of competing for places on these training courses.