Written answers

Thursday, 22 October 2015

Department of Health

Orthodontic Service Provision

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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299. To ask the Minister for Health to outline the extent to which the availability of orthodontic treatment can be improved in all areas without exception in light of the need to ensure the availability of the necessary corrective procedures at the appropriate time; the number of children and young adults currently in treatment; the number on waiting lists; the likelihood of early treatment for the latter, and the extent to which patients in categories one, two or three, respectively, can expect treatment within a reasonable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37119/15]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen 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 (IOTN). Patients with the greatest level of need i.e. Grade 5 or Grade 4 are provided with treatment by the HSE. IOTN grades 1 to 3 are not considered severe enough to be treated within the public health system. The orthodontic waiting list figures for Q2 of 2015 are set out in the following table.

NumberAmount
No. of patients in active treatment17,241
No. of patients in retention following treatment5,576
No. of patients on Treatment Waiting List18,206
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, a national procurement process is currently underway to provide treatment for certain categories of misalignment by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE over the next three years, with consideration of an extension to four years. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for four 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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