An audit of orthodontic treatment eligibility among new patients referred to a Health Service Executive orthodontic referral centre.

AIM The aim of this audit was to evaluate orthodontic treatment eligibility among new patients referred for assessment from primary dental care clinics in the Health Service Executive (HSE) South region to a HSE orthodontic referral centre. METHOD A data collection form was designed and applied prospectively to consecutive new patient referrals who attended diagnostic clinics at the Orthodontic Unit, Cork University Dental School and Hospital, between October 2011 and February 2012. Orthodontic treatment eligibility was based on guidelines introduced by the HSE in 2007. RESULTS Data on 291 patients (147 males and 144 females) with a mean age of 11.6 years (SD +/- 2.4 years; range 8-19 years) were evaluated. Of the 83 (29%) patients eligible for orthodontic treatment under the guidelines, the most commonly diagnosed malocclusion traits were a crossbite with greater than 2 mm discrepancy between retruded contact position and intercuspal position (24 patients), followed by an overjet greater than 9 mm (21 patients). CONCLUSIONS A total of 29% of new patient referrals were deemed eligible for orthodontic treatment under HSE eligibility guidelines introduced in 2007. Reduction of new patient referrals not eligible for treatment, under these guidelines, is required to enable more efficient use of resources.