Unacceptable number of children waiting for orthodontic assessment and treatment – McGrath

Published on: 06 January 2020


Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central Michael McGrath has said the number of children and teenagers waiting for orthodontic assessment and treatment in Cork and Kerry is appallingly high.

Deputy McGrath was commenting after the HSE confirmed to him that 2,170 young people are waiting on orthodontic treatment across Cork and Kerry, with a further 1,496 waiting for an assessment.

“Not only are thousands of children waiting for assessment and treatment appointments, many of them are waiting years to be seen. The waiting lists for treatment following assessment is particularly worrying, with more than half of all those on the list waiting more than one year for an appointment. There are 162 children and teenagers waiting more than three years”, said Deputy McGrath.

“The HSE has confirmed that there are only two consultant orthodontists to cover all of Cork and Kerry, and while there are no vacant consultant posts in the region, these figures would indicate that we need more staff to cope with the demand.

“Based on this reply, teenagers needing orthodontic treatment could be 17 or even 18 by the time they reach the top of the waiting list. These treatment delays are not only impacting children waiting to get braces, but those who have completed their treatment are also having to wait to have their braces removed. This is bound to have knock-on effects on their outcomes.

“The current waiting lists are simply not acceptable. Children and teenagers are waiting much too long for what should be routine appointments and procedures.

“The Minister for Health must also address concerns around what happens when a child who has been waiting for years turns 18, are they still eligible for treatment through the public system? Despite record investment in our health service, the fact of the matter it is not being managed properly. Things are actually getting worse instead of better and children and teenagers are suffering”, concluded Deputy McGrath.

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