New research claims that parts of Ireland have waiting lists of up to four years for children who need orthodontic treatment. The Orthodontic Society of Ireland has suggested that there are not enough dentists to cope with the country-wide demand and the waiting lists are getting longer as a result. The estimated average waiting time is about three years, with the HSE North East region counting around 4,000 children who are waiting to get orthodontic work done.
President of the Orthodontic Society of Ireland, Dr Katherine Condren said that emergency cases were being prioritised but otherwise children were going to have to wait several years for their treatment. Some patients are turning to private practices to get help; Catherine Kearney from Terenure paid 4,250 euros – around £3577 – for her 12-year-old daughter’s treatment over a three year period, after being told to return when she was 17 and even then there was no guarantee that there would be treatment available. She told the Irish Times ‘My daughter’s case was regarded as cosmetic, but it was more than cosmetic. That is the way they are characterised.’
The OSI are also warning against ‘quick fix’ solutions either at home or abroad, as people look at other options. A spokesperson said; ‘There is a lot more to orthodontics than getting your front teeth straightened. Most patients require longer treatments and you will need a better outcome. We are concerned that some surgeries are offering technology that can straighten your teeth very quickly. We’re trying to alert them to the fact that only a small number will be suitable for a short treatment.’
