Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the periods of time children are waiting to receive orthodontic treatment; his views on whether it is unacceptable that applicants from May 2009 are only being processed now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48753/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines. Waiting times for orthodontic assessment and treatment vary across the country and within the HSE regions and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has commissioned an independent review of orthodontic services. 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 future demand for services.