Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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811. To ask the Minister for Health the measures he will take to eradicate the waiting list for routine orthodontic treatment, which is in excess of four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10260/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. 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 is currently being contracted by the HSE 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. 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 upskilling 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 after the evaluation has been completed. These initiatives are in line with the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to provide timely access to orthodontic care.