Cavan-Monaghan orthodontic waiting lists
Brendan Smith highlights unacceptable delays for children awaiting orthodontic treatment in Cavan and Monaghan and calls for administrative or funding barriers to be removed. The Minister acknowledges national delays and says the HSE has introduced measures, including investment, to reduce waiting times.
There are unacceptable delays in children and young adults accessing orthodontic care in Cavan and Monaghan. This morning, again, I spoke to a young mother whose 14-year-old son, with a category 5A classification in relation to provision of dental braces, was told he would be lucky to be seen in another year.
Oftentimes, in relation to healthcare provision, we are told that a lack of capacity, both public and private, is the problem. This is not the case for orthodontic treatment. A welcome initiative by the HSE was the introduction of an orthodontic framework agreement to enable patients referred by the HSE to have orthodontic care provided by capable and competent private orthodontic service providers. I understand that contracts have been awarded and relevant personnel have gone through Garda vetting but the scheme is not operational.
Our public dental system is not in a position to provide an adequate level of service to meet demand in a timely manner. In some cases, parents have to access treatment for their children outside our jurisdiction. At the same time, the capacity is here in the State to ensure that children and young adults get orthodontic care in a timely manner.
Comment on this
Whatever obstacle there is, funding or administrative, must be removed without further delay and appropriate and timely orthodontic care must be provided for patients needing this essential treatment.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Smith. I agree it is essential that children get orthodontic care in a timely manner. There can be very upsetting consequences if they do not.
I am aware the Minister for Health knows there currently are delays in accessing this service nationally, and the HSE has put in place a number of measures to address waiting times. There has been significant investment, as the Deputy will be aware, but I am conscious his concern is specifically focused on the orthodontic services in Cavan-Monaghan.
I am informed that patients in Cavan-Monaghan are seen in the orthodontic clinic in Dundalk, which is currently experiencing staffing challenges. There is no orthodontist in post at present, as the Deputy well knows. The HSE has sanction to fill the post and is actively pursuing both temporary and permanent recruitment options, but I will raise with the Minister for Health the issues the Deputy highlighted here about Cavan-Monaghan orthodontic care.