HSE apologises for children in the South-East having to wait seven years for orthodontic service

More than 540 children are currently waiting for treatment in the region, while a further 312 are awaiting an assessment. File picture

The Health Service Executive has apologised for lengthy delays in the orthodontic service in the South-East region where some children have been waiting for close to seven years for treatment.

The executive has also said that a group set up to examine the provision of orthodontic services in the region is due to report shortly.

It follows a report by the Irish Examiner earlier this week highlighting delays because of staffing difficulties in the service.

Children are waiting until their late teens to have orthodontic treatment carried out. 

Figures provided to South Tipperary Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy from the HSE in answer to a parliamentary question showed that 24 children have been waiting longer than six years for treatment in the region.

Figures provided in the response outlined: “The longest wait time for orthodontic treatment based on current resources is up to 82 months.” 

More than 540 children are currently waiting for treatment in the region, while a further 312 are awaiting an assessment. It covers south Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny.

The response said the orthodontic services in the region are operating “to the best of its ability within the constraints of the very limited staffing levels currently available". 

A spokesman for HSE Dublin and South East told the Irish Examiner: “HSE Dublin and South East endeavours to provide the best orthodontic service it can within resources available and apologise to those affected by long waiting times for treatment.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

“A regional oral health group is working actively towards ensuring that the needs of the local population in the Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South, Dublin South/Wicklow and Waterford/Wexford Integrated Healthcare Areas (IHAs) are being met. The group will report shortly.” 

Currently, a dental nurse travels from Waterford to Clonmel when no nurse is available in Clonmel. A consultant orthodontist and dental nurse based in Waterford travel to Clonmel two to three days per month for assessments.

M Murphy raised the issue during topical questions in the Dáil.

Minister of state Alan Dillon said €4 million was allocated in 2026 for an additional 15 HSE dental staff to deliver oral healthcare in the community. 

He added: "The HSE advises that Carlow, Kilkenny and south Tipperary have been allocated one of these posts, which have been difficult to fill.”