Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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857.To ask the Minister for Health his plans, if any, to clear the backlog of children on the orthodontic waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25380/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE provides orthodontic treatment for patients who are referred by a HSE dentist for assessment before their 16th birthday and who are assessed by the HSE as having the highest level of clinical need.

The HSE has been supported through sustained investment to address orthodontic treatment waiting lists through private waiting list initiatives. Last year, €10m in one-off funding was made available to support two relevant initiatives. Over 2,000 patients nationally who were suitable for care in a community setting were removed from the HSE’s orthodontic treatment waiting list, through the continuation of an existing initiative.

In addition, a new orthognathic (jaw) surgery waiting list initiative commenced in September 2023. These are complex surgeries which require a lengthy hospital stay. This year, a further €3.35m is being invested on a one-off basis to support both initiatives. Up to the end of March this year, 20 patients have received orthognathic surgery to date and 156 patients have been transferred into private orthodontic care nationally.

My Department engages with the HSE on an ongoing basis to understand the challenges arising in the provision of oral healthcare services. Implementation of the National Oral Health Policy is proceeding and a plan for the 2024-2026 phase of implementation is in preparation between my Department and the HSE, for targeted consultation and then publication in Q3. The plan will set out a phased approach to the reorientation of the HSE’s oral healthcare and orthodontic services and the associated strategic workforce planning elements.