Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontists operating at present. [14731/00]
Vol. 519 No. 6
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontists operating at present. [14731/00]
The provision of orthodontic services and the employment of orthodontists are the responsibility of the health boards. According to the information available to my Department, a total of seven consultant orthodontists are employed by the health boards. In addition, nine dentists with post graduate qualifications in orthodontics are employed. A further 30 dentists provide orthodontic services in the regional orthodontic units under the overall direction and supervision of the consultant orthodontist.
A total of five consultant orthodontists are employed between the two dental hospitals and St. James's Hospital.
My Department does not maintain information concerning the number of orthodontists in private practice.