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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

509 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the range of measures he has taken to substantially increase the capacity of the orthodontic services and reduce the waiting times for orthodontic treatment; the position regarding the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1330/02]

The provision of orthodontic services is the responsibility of the health boards in the first instance. I have initiated a range of measures to substantially increase the capacity of the orthodontic services and reduce the waiting times for orthodontic treatment.

Structural changes are being introduced into the orthodontic service such as the creation of the grade of specialist in orthodontics, the development of specialist training programmes and the creation of an auxiliary grade of orthodontic therapist to work in the orthodontic area.

My Department has provided additional funding of 0.932 million for orthodontic services in 2002 of which 541,000 was for a specialist training programme in orthodontics. Six dentists from the health boards, four of which are from the Eastern Regional Health Authority, commenced their training for specialist in orthodontics qualifications last October. Discussions on providing an additional training course to commence in 2002 are also under way.

My Department has funded the appointment of a director of specialist training for the Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry through the Post Graduate Medical and Dental Board. The director has taken up duty and will play a pivotal role in assisting the different agencies involved in dental specialist training programmes.

In 2001, I provided an additional 2.971 million for the orthodontic service in the ERHA of which 2.044 million was for an initiative. Under this initiative, the authority has recruited additional staff including two consultant orthodontists and two specialists in orthodontics. A six surgery facility and a five surgery facility at Loughlinstown regional orthodontic unit and St. James's Hospital orthodontic unit, respectively, have also been developed.

Furthermore, under this initiative, my Department is exploring with health boards new arrangements for the treatment of patients, both by private specialist orthodontic practitioners and in out-of-hours sessions by health board orthodontists.
The chief executive officer of the ERHA has informed me that at the end of the December 2001 quarter, there were 3,776 patients in orthodontic treatment in the authority. This is an increase of 488 patients in orthodontic treatment when compared with the corresponding figure at the end of the September 2001 quarter. The number of patients awaiting assessment and treatment has also decreased by 2,189 for the same period.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

510 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the dental treatment services scheme; the progress being made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1331/02]

All medical card holders over the age of 16 years are eligible for primary dental care services under the dental treatment services scheme. This scheme provides a range of treatments on demand targeted at those in the community with the greatest need. From the 1 July 2001, the scheme was extended to all persons over 70 years of age and in 2002, I made available an additional 6.166 million to the scheme to meet an increased uptake of it.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

511 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1332/02]

Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Kildare rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

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