Madam, - I refer to Professor Nunn's letter (December 4th). I share her concerns about the lack of public dental services for children with disabilities. However, Professor Nunn's views on the thousands of children on orthodontic waiting lists who have, and continue to suffer unnecessary delays in their treatment, makes for sad reading. Many of these children have disabilities and serious medical conditions.
The institution for which Professor Nunn works holds a monopoly, not only in orthodontics, but in all other dental specialities. This has been detrimental to the development of all public dental services. I welcome Dr Ian O'Dowling's call for a tribunal to change this dreadful situation.
The Joint Committee for Health and Children was amazed at the remoteness of the dental schools and consequent lack of understanding of the needs of the community. Children with disabilities deserve better from our profession. I would encourage Professor Nunn's institution to help rather than hinder reform, not alone orthodontics but in all dental specialties including Professor Nunn's own speciality. - Yours, etc,
ANTONIA R. HEWSON, Prinicpal Dental Surgeon, Mayo Primary Continuing and Community Care, St Mary's Hospital, Castlebar, Co Mayo.