Ruth Coppinger
Question:1022. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health her current plans to decrease orthodontic waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34004/26]
View answerTuesday, 12 May 2026
Questions (1022)
Written answers
I am determined to ease the pressure people are facing now in accessing oral healthcare services, including orthodontics. In practical terms, that means improving access to oral healthcare through the public system—especially for children and adult medical card holders. My Department and the HSE are finalising a focused two-year action plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.
The plan will focus on a small number of clear priorities:
• Cut waiting lists in the School Dental Programme and orthodontics
• Strengthen and expand the Special Access Programme
• Reviewing and improving the Dental Treatment Services Scheme
• Support recruitment, education and training
• Support innovation and new ways of delivering care
Over the next two years, the aim is to stabilise services, reduce waiting times, and make access measurably better for patients—while laying the groundwork for longer-term reform.
Recent engagements with for example, the Irish Dental Association (IDA), the Irish Dental Hygienists Association (IDHA) and the Dental Council have ranged from addressing waiting lists and delivering near term improvements to the schools program, to improving the supply of dental team members by exploring innovative ways of broadening the educational and training options for both hygienists and dental nurses. We will also be consulting with colleagues in DFHERIS on educational opportunities for both the current and future dental workforce.