Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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264. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware of the extended waiting times for children in need of orthodontic treatment and the provision and availability of orthodontic treatment for children and adults in Dublin Central, by the length and time of waiting lists in the local health area; if he is aware that a person (details supplied) has been advised of having to wait six years for essential orthodontic treatment and if it is acceptable that the person should have to spend the entire secondary school experience waiting for orthodontic treatment [3653/16]

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, until after 16-18 years of age, 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.

Following a national procurement process, a panel of independent practitioners will be contracted by the HSE in the coming weeks to provide treatment for certain categories of misalignment. The practitioners will be under contract 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 who are generally 16 years and over. The majority of patients to be treated will come from the Dublin area. It is expected that this initiative will have a positive impact on waiting times.

In addition, a pilot scheme in the Dublin North East area (DNE), which involves up-skilling staff to work as orthodontic therapists is currently underway. A dental hygienist and a dental nurse qualified as orthodontic therapists in September 2015 and 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.

The case (details supplied) is a service matter and it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.