Written answers
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
Department of Health
Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists
Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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685. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide figures in respect of waiting list for orthodontic treatment in County Kerry; his strategy to substantially reduce this list of applicants in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1637/15]
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, 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 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. The waiting times for orthodontic treatment in the HSE South region at the end of Quarter 3 2014 are as follows:
| Waiting time from assessment to commencement of treatment | 1 - 6 months | 7 - 12 months | 13 - 24 months | 25-36 months | 37-48 months | Over 48 months | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSE South | 704 | 506 | 832 | 958 | 435 | 33 | 3,468 |
In addition to the services provided by HSE staff, orthodontic treatment for certain categories of misalignment will be provided by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE over the next three years. A national procurement process is currently underway and is due to be ready for commencement shortly. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for 4 years or longer. It is expected that this initiative will have a positive impact on waiting times.
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