Written answers
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Department of Health
Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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137. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of children currently awaiting assessment for orthodontic treatment; the number currently awaiting treatment in respect of categories 1 and 2; the extent to which new patients are referred for treatment on a monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21194/15]
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 i.e. Grade 5 or Grade 4 are provided with treatment by the HSE.
Waiting lists are compiled quarterly and for the intervals as shown. The most recent figures available relate to Quarter 1 of 2015. 5,653 patients were awaiting assessment. This compares with 6,003 for the same period last year. The number of patients awaiting treatment has risen from 15,697 in Quarter 1 2014 to 18,025 in Quarter 1 2015. Information on waiting times for treatment is 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 4 | 1,326 | 1,523 | 2,715 | 2,024 | 1,371 | 873 | 9,832 |
| Grade 5 | 1,694 | 1,727 | 2,588 | 1,505 | 551 | 128 | 8,193 |
| TOTAL | 3,020 | 3,250 | 5,303 | 3,529 | 1,922 | 1,001 | 18,025 |
The HSE has established a pilot scheme in Dublin North East which will involve the use of orthodontic therapists in the treatment of a number of eligible children. Consideration will be given to expanding this Scheme to other HSE areas in the future. 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 being finalised. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for 4 years or longer. It is expected that this initiative will commence later this year and will have a positive impact on waiting times.
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