Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 26 June 2019
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health
National Oral Health Policy: Discussion (Resumed)
Dr. Joe Green:
It is the number of orthodontists. Thankfully, there has been some recruitment in the south east. An orthodontist took up duty in New Ross in April. The number of orthodontists required is much higher than the number in place currently. As I said in response to Deputy Brassil, to increase capacity, we either increase the number of specialists or introduce the grade of orthodontic therapist and provide the appropriate number. The introduction of the grade of orthodontic therapist is in our workforce planning.