Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ionising Radiation Use.

Liam Burke

Question:

118 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the minimum qualifications and appropriate training required by the Medical Council and the Dental Council in relation to those engaged in the use of ionising radiation for medical and dental purposes; the qualifications recognised by both councils; the way in which applicants for recognition under the European Communities (Medical Ionising Radiation) Regulations, 1988, are recorded by the councils; the number of practitioners recognised under the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10377/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

I have referred the question to the regulatory bodies with responsibility for this area. The Dental Council has advised as follows:

The Dental Council is satisfied that all dentists who graduate in Ireland will have completed. as part of their undergraduate programme, a course component giving them competence in radiation protection and techniques. The Council during its periodic visits to the dental schools in Dublin and Cork to assess curricula and facilities satisfies itself as to the adequacy of the training provided in this course component. The Council has approved training courses in dental radiography for dental hygienists and dental nurses provided by the Dublin Dental Hospital and the University Dental School and Hospital, Cork. Persons who complete these courses attain competence in radiation protection and techniques and may carry out medical exposures in the practice of dentistry, under the direction and supervision of a dentist.

The degrees in dentistry and diplomas in dental hygiene awarded by approved bodies in the State are in effect the qualifications recognised by the Dental Council as complying with the requirements of the European Communities (Medical Ionising Radiation) Regulations 1988.

There is no statutory requirement to keep a record of persons entitled to carry out a medical exposure in the practice of dentistry but the register of dentists and the register of dental hygienists, both maintained by the council, can be regarded as such a record. There are 1,730 dentists and 1,340 dental hygienists registered.

In addition to dentists and dental hygienists approximately 100 dental nurses have completed approved courses in radiation protection and techniques. The names of these dental nurses have been submitted to the council by the training institutions.

I have also contacted the Medical Council in relation to this issue. I will contact the deputy directly when information in relation to the Medical Council has been made available to me.