Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)

While I appreciate the Minister of State's comments on the current economic climate, the appointment of auxiliary personnel working in orthodontic teams, as they are described in Finland, offers the potential to achieve much better outcomes using the same level of resources. It is an indictment of all Governments since 1985 that the model of delivering orthodontic services has not changed in the past 25 years. I welcome the Minister of State's commitment to examine this issue. At present, the role of chief dental officer is being performed in an acting capacity. The position must be afforded the priority it deserves if we are to drive forward the delivery of the orthodontic service.

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