Almost 400 children waiting on orthodontic treatment

Cllr raises concerns over backlog and frequency of dental services in Meath

There are 394 children on the orthodontic waiting list in Meath with children under 14 waiting up to two years for treatment.

Concern has been expressed about waiting lists and backlogs throughout the dental service, and the fact that now only two school classes are being targeted for dental services

Cllr Emer Tóibín said she is thoroughly unhappy with the worrying waiting lists and increasing backlogs facing those awaiting dental treatment in the county, and has highlighted concerns over funding and planning by the HSE to ensure dental services can meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.

“In response to my questions, the HSE confirmed that despite intentions to target all primary school classes for dental services – there simply has never been the ability or resources to deliver upon this intention. The target was then to focus on children in 1st, 2nd and 6th class.

“However, those targets were never met and the targets have been now reduced to only two classes. The complete lack of funding, resources and capacity has also caused inordinately long waiting lists which inevitably aggravate the needs of those on those waiting lists.”

Cllr Tóibín said that when she specifically asked about orthodontic treatments in Meath, she was told there were 394 children on the waiting list.

“The expected waiting times were 11 months for over 14s, and over two years for under 14s. What does this say about the complete neglect of dental services for Meath that even when down to targeting just two classes in primary school, and various other reductions in services, that there can be a nigh on two year wait for treatment.

“The situation is arguably worse for children in need of oral surgery. There is a waiting list of 87 children, an indeterminate number assessed but not documented, with a further 52 waiting on assessment.

“When I followed up and asked what could parents do in cases of emergency or additional need for children requiring oral surgery, the best advice that was offered was to cough up private care. Never mind that an estimate for one extraction by an oral surgeon could amount to €1,900.”

The HSE was contacted for comment.