Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2013

Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Ceisteanna (231)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

231. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who waited 18 months to be assessed for braces was told they would have to wait at least another 18 months for them to be fitted with a possibility of them then being too old for the scheme and the reason when they fit the criteria for braces the orthodontist would tell them to see a private orthodontist [20611/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Alex White)

The HSE provides orthodontic treatment based on clinical need to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.