Written answers

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Department of Health

Orthodontic Service Provision

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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377. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress being made on the delivery of orthodontic care through orthodontic therapists; if he will extend the remit of the Heath Information and Quality Authority to cover those practitioners delivering orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35680/14]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The HSE Dublin North East (DNE) Orthodontic Service has been chosen as the pilot area for this new training programme. One member of the dental hygienist staff and one member of the dental nursing staff have commenced training in September 2014. In the course of training these students will work under the direct supervision of specialist orthodontists currently working in HSE units in the treatment of a number of children eligible for HSE-funded orthodontic treatment. This course is being accredited by Dublin Dental Hospital, Trinity College and is one year in duration.

Practitioners delivering orthodontic treatment are required to be registered by the Dental Council. The Council has power, subject in some instances to confirmation by the High Court to advise, admonish, censure, suspend, attach conditions to registration or erase a dentist's name from the Register. Extension of the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority in the manner suggested by the Deputy is not considered necessary or appropriate.

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