asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that under present legislation it is not possible for dental hygienists to practise in Ireland; and if he intends to reform the law to permit this valuable service to be provided.
Written Answers. - Dental Hygiene Service.
281.
Under the provisions of the Dentists Act, 1928, it is illegal for any dental auxiliary to practise dentistry as defined. This would include the performance of any operation or the giving of any treatment usually performed or given by a dentist. I hope to introduce in the current Dáil session a Bill to replace the Act of 1928, which would propose the setting up of a new Dental Council having the power to recognise and register dental auxiliaries and to specify, within prescribed limits, the dental work which any class of auxiliary dental worker may undertake under the direction of a dentist.