Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Health the action being taken to reduce waiting times for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12077/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to providing timely access to orthodontic care. In order to address the waiting times being experienced by people who have been referred for orthodontic assessment or treatment, the HSE has commenced an initiative which involves the procurement of orthodontic services in primary care from a number of private service providers. Priority is being accorded to cases of a routine orthodontic nature who have been waiting longest to be seen. Up to the end of February 2017, 2,350 patients have been contacted and 1,431 have accepted transfer from HSE to a private orthodontic provider. Complex cases are not part of the HSE waiting list initiative and will be treated by the HSE orthodontic service.

The HSE is also working to adapt skill-mix to assist in providing more timely access for patients. This involves using orthodontic therapists working under the supervision of specialist orthodontists. Two orthodontic therapists are in place, with a further two are in training and the HSE plan to extend this initiative.

The national approach to future oral health service provision, including orthodontics, will be informed by the National Oral Health Policy which is currently being developed by my Department. The target-date for completion of this policy is late 2017.