Jim Higgins
Question:222 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason that there is no postgraduate training and education for orthodontic staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10990/98]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Training.
The provision of formal postgraduate training and education programmes was up to recently a matter for dental schools in conjunction with the Joint Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry and the Royal Colleges of the United Kingdom and Ireland. I understand from the Department of Health and Children that the Dental Council propose to recognise, for the purposes of specialist registration, courses in training and qualifications in specialist dentistry provided by the National University of Ireland, Cork, Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and that Department is seeking further information from the Dental Council in this regard.
I further understand that the Orthodontic Review Group established by the health boards has examined issues in relation to training in orthodontics and will include recommendations in its report. This group, which includes health board consultant orthodontists, is due to report to the chief executive officers of the health boards in the near future. A number of health board dentists are currently undergoing postgraduate training in orthodontics through UK based dental schools. However, it is important that the postgraduate needs of our public dental services in orthodontics and other disciplines under the Health Strategy and the Dental Health Action Plan should, as far as possible, be met from our own dental schools in Dublin and Cork.
The Minister for Health and Children has requested the chief dental officer to have discussions with the dental schools in Dublin and Cork and the Joint Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry and agree a training programme for health board dentists working in the regional orthodontic units.
Following these developments my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, has indicated that he will, as necessary, consult with me to ensure that adequate postgraduate training programmes are provided.