THE number of children and young people on waiting lists for orthodontic assessment and treatment in Kerry has been described as shocking.
New figures reveal that 2,170 young people are waiting on treatment in the county and in Cork with a further 1,496 waiting for an assessment.
The system has been slated by Kerry TD John Brassil who said he was “absolutely appalled” at the situation, particularly as there are 162 under 18s waiting more than three years.
“Staffing is most definitely a factor as there are only two consultant orthodontists covering all of Cork and Kerry. There is no way that that is sufficient to cope with the demand on services – and these figures are clear evidence of this,” he told KillarneyToday.com.
He said the delays raise “real concerns” about the outcomes for the children and teenagers.
“Based on these figures, a 14-year-old needing orthodontic intervention could be 17 or 18 by the time they get called for an appointment. That is simply unacceptable,” he added.
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