Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dentist Act.

Bernard Allen

Question:

590 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Dentist Act, 1985, has not been implemented; and if it is due to the failure of the Dental Council to set up a scheme that would allow dental technicians deal directly with the public in the provision of dentures. [1360/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Dental Council is largely independent in the exercise of its functions under the Dentists Act, 1985. There are powers available to me under section 55 of the Act to direct the Dental Council to produce a scheme for a particular class of auxiliary dental worker but the content of such a Scheme is primarily a matter for the Dental Council. While such schemes are subject to my consent, I do not have powers of amendment.

The question of regulating the practice of denturism has been the subject of protracted correspondence between my Department and the Dental Council. In 1993, at the instigation of my Department, the Dental Council submitted a draft scheme for a class of auxiliary dental worker, to be known as clinical dental technician. However, this draft scheme did not adequately address the existing situation of technicians engaged in the practice of denturism for a number of years who would have acquired a level of competence in the appropriate clinical and other skills required. With this in mind, my Department asked the Dental Council to examine the issue further.

A new Dental Council was appointed in November 2000. I understand that its auxiliary dental workers committee has already set up a small group to examine this issue to enable the council reply to my Department at the earliest opportunity.

Question No. 591 answered with Question No. 588.