Dental challenge

I REFER to the article entitled Child dental problems ‘camouflaged’ (Irish Examiner, Sept 13). It is heartening to see a consultant orthodontist so openly critical of the Department of Health and its policies over the past few years.

Dr Ted McNamara knows criticism of the Department is fraught with difficulties. He is well aware that consultants leave themselves open to harassment, bullying and intimidation. There is little point in Deputy Batt O’Keeffe, chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, discussing this issue at committee level.

Unless Dr McNamara is called before that committee and given an opportunity to explain the reasons behind his letter to the Mid Western Health Board, then the Committee on Health and Children will be merely covering up the actions of the department and patients will continue to suffer on extensive orthodontic waiting lists.