Vol. 516 No. 6
281 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health and Children the number awaiting orthodontic treatment in categories B and C in the Mid-Western Health Board area; the criteria used for determining children for orthodontic treatment in categorising them into categories B and C; and, further to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 9 February 2000, when the chief executive of the Mid-Western Health Board will respond to the case. [8885/00]
The provision of orthodontic treatment in the mid-western region is the statutory responsibility of the Mid-Western Health Board in the first instance. The information, which was made available to me today by the Mid-Western Health Board, regarding the number of people awaiting orthodontic treatment is that there are 1,381 people in categories B and C with a waiting time of 2.5 years.
Due to the high cost of fixed appliance 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 classification of cases awaiting treatment, according to these guidelines is as follows; category A, the most severe cases, for example, cleft lip and palate; category B, cases with a functional handicap for example, marked disproportion between the upper and lower jaws; and category C, non-handicapping cases but having a need for treatment.
With regard to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 9 February 2000, the details requested by the Deputy were subsequently forwarded to him in my letter of 25 February 2000.
