Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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539. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the orthodontic and dental services (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46430/15]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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623. To ask the Minister for Health the status of children awaiting orthodontic treatment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46926/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 623 together.

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. In the HSE South region, which includes Co Kerry, over 70% of patients are assessed within 6 months and over 99% of patients are assessed within 12 months.

A pilot scheme in the Dublin North East area (DNE), which involves up-skilling staff to work as orthodontic therapists is currently underway. One member of the dental hygienist staff and one member of the dental nursing staff completed a one-year training course in September 2015. They are now working in the HSE under the supervision of specialist orthodontists. The scheme is currently undergoing an evaluation, which includes consideration of how the scheme is affecting waiting lists. Figures are currently being collated and early indications are positive. It is planned to extend the scheme nationally after the evaluation has been completed.

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. Tenders have been evaluated and will be awarded in the coming weeks. It is expected that these initiatives will have a positive impact on waiting times.