Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have the greatest level of need and have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. An orthodontic assessment determines if the referral meets the criteria for the service and, if so, what priority the patient is given. Those with greatest clinical need are prioritised, which is appropriate, and are seen within one year. Some patients will particularly benefit from treatment coinciding with their growth. These patients are generally seen within 18 to 24 months. While too many are waiting, it is important that we factor in the clinical view regarding treatment coinciding with a patient's growth and appropriate age.

A Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to providing timely access to orthodontic care. In order to address long waiting times, the HSE has procured orthodontic services in primary care from a number of private service providers and a budget of €1 million per annum is being dedicated to this initiative, which commenced in 2016. To date, 142 patients from Cork and Kerry have been treated under this initiative. The Cork and Kerry community health care organisation, CHO, has also commenced a capacity planning review of orthodontic services. This will identify whether changes may be required to the current allocation of resources, including staff, in order to be more responsive to patients' needs.

Nationally, the HSE is also working on a programme to upskill dental hygienists and dental nurses to become orthodontic therapists. This will facilitate a greater throughput of patients, which has been very much welcomed by those working in dentistry.

The national approach to future oral health service provision will be informed by the national oral health policy, which is currently being finalised. I expect to publish that in early 2018. Resources are being finalised as part of the service plan. I expect more funding to be available to help utilise private providers while building up capacity in the public service, including in Cork and Kerry, in 2018.

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