Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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248. To ask the Minister for Health if orthotic therapists could help with the backlog for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11914/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Orthodontic therapists are registered oral healthcare professionals who carry out certain parts of orthodontic treatment which may only be carried out under the supervision of an orthodontist. I am committed to the reform of oral healthcare services to align with the National Oral Health Policy Smile agus Sláinte. Improving and enabling easy access for the public to oral healthcare services, including orthodontic services, is a key component of the Policy, requiring availability of a suitably skilled workforce to provide appropriate oral healthcare across all settings.

This requires the development of a dental workforce plan, taking into account all oral healthcare professionals registered with the Dental Council, as well as auxiliary workers either voluntarily registered or not required to register with the Dental Council, but who are essential to both support and provide oral healthcare services. Development of this plan will include consideration of the role of orthodontic therapists in providing oral healthcare. The Department has begun engaging with stakeholders and I expect progress on this workforce plan to be made in 2023, through the use of dedicated resources which have been set aside to advance this work this year.