There are no plans to expand the orthodontic service in Mayo at present.
That was confirmed to Ballina-based councillor John O’Hara at the recent meeting of the HSE Regional Health Forum.
The Fine Gael councillor asked what would be required to streamline the service in the county and if an adapted National Treatment Purchase Fund could play a role in making treatment affordable.
In response, Ann Cosgrove, Chief Operation Officer at the Saolta University Health Care Group said that additional resources would allow patients on waiting list be treated in a timelier manner.
Ms Cosgrove added that a waiting list initiative is currently being developed to allow patients waiting long times for treatment to be seen privately, but the numbers eligible are small.
Cllr John O’Hara told Midwest News that a grant should also be considered to allow struggling families to receive dental care.
