Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
469. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the length of the waiting list for orthodontic treatment for minors in the south region of County Kerry and County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5627/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra470. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the protocol in place to reduce the waiting list for orthodontic treatment for minors in the south region of County Kerry and County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5628/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 470 together.
The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. It should be noted that the nature of orthodontic care means that immediate treatment is not always desirable. It is estimated that in up to 5% of cases it is necessary to wait for further growth to take place before treatment commences. Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need are provided with treatment by the HSE. At the end of Q4 2015, waiting times in the HSE South region were as follows:
|
Waiting time from assessment to commencement of treatment |
Less than 2 years |
2 to 4 years |
More than 4 years |
TOTAL |
|
Number of patients |
2,483 |
1,364 |
164 |
4,011 |
In line with the HSE's aim to reduce the proportion of patients on the treatment waiting list for longer than four years, the number of patients waiting more than 4 years has fallen from 7.3% (306 patients) in Q3 2015 to 4.1% (164 patients) in Q4 2015. Following a national procurement process, a panel of independent practitioners will be contracted by the HSE in the coming weeks to provide treatment for certain categories of misalignment. The practitioners will be under contract over the next three years, with consideration of an extension to four years. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for four years or longer who are generally 16 years and over. It is expected that this initiative will have a positive impact on waiting times.
In addition, a pilot scheme in the Dublin North East area (DNE), which involves upskilling staff to work as orthodontic therapists is currently under way. A dental hygienist and a dental nurse qualified as orthodontic therapists in September 2015 and are now working in the HSE under the supervision of specialist orthodontists. The scheme is currently undergoing an evaluation, which includes consideration of how the scheme is affecting waiting lists. Figures are currently being collated and early indications are positive. It is planned to extend the scheme nationally after the evaluation has been completed.
