asked the Minister for Health if he will establish denturism and other classes of dental auxiliaries on a permanent basis; and if not, the reason.
172.
Written Answers. - Dental Auxiliaries.
22.
asked the Minister for Health if he will direct the Dental Council to create a class of dental auxiliary who could supply dentures direct to the public, where work is not done on living tissue, as provided for in section 54 (3) of the Dental Act, 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 172 together. Under the provisions of the Dentists Act, 1985, the Dental Council may, with my consent, establish and register classes of auxiliary dental workers.
In November 1985 the council established an auxiliary dental workers committee to recommend to the council the grades, if any, which should be introduced. I understand that this committee has recently reported back to the Dental Council and I am now awaiting the council's formal proposals. I expect that the council's recommendations in relation to auxiliary dental workers will embrace the specific type of dental auxiliary referred to by the Deputies.