Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Health the extent of the waiting list for orthodontic treatment by county; if all patients are categorised by severity; if so, the waiting time by category and by county; if it is intended to fill any specialist vacancies for the provision of this service in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9060/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Referrals for orthodontic treatment are generally assessed for eligibility under the Modified Index of Treatment Need (IOTN). This establishes the category of need; Grade 5 being more complex needs and Grade 4 being less complex needs.

The following table outlines the number of patients awaiting orthodontic treatment and the average waiting time for the second quarter of 2011:

*A breakdown by grade is not available for the Mid Western or the Western region.

**Figures for the South Eastern area are currently unavailable.

The HSE will be commissioning an independent review of orthodontic services in 2012 which is intended to review a number of service provision models and the required skills mix. The outcome of this review will give guidance as to what changes will be desirable to provide the best possible model of care delivery, given the current resources available and expected future demand for services.