Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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208. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of patients waiting on orthodontic treatment for zero to one months, one to three months, three to six months, six to 12 months, 12 to 24 months, 24 to 36 months, together with the number of patients on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment at the end of 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20677/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. It should be noted that the nature of orthodontic care means that immediate treatment is not always desirable. It is estimated that in up to 5% of cases it is necessary to wait for further growth to take place before treatment commences. Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need, i.e. Grade 5 or Grade 4 are provided with treatment by the HSE. Information on waiting times is collated by the HSE by region and for the intervals as shown below only. The most recent information relates to the first quarter of 2014.

Corresponding figures for the last quarter of 2013 are as follows:

Regarding 2012 and 2011, figures had been provided in a different format. Some figures are unavailable due to staff shortages in some areas. This issue has since been addressed by the HSE. Information available for 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2012

Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2011