Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
603. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health when his Department will put in place a mechanism to allow for the roll-out of orthodontic therapists as part of the State's response to reduce waiting lists for orthodontic treatment for children in accordance with best international practice, if he has communicated his desire to see dental therapists in place to the Dental Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40847/13]
View answerAn independent review of orthodontic services, commissioned by the HSE, is near completion. The outcome of this review will give guidance as to what changes will be desirable to provide the best possible model of care delivery, given the current resources available and future demand for services. The HSE may also consider local initiatives which may involve the use of orthodontic therapists.
Dental therapists are independent practitioners. In other jurisdictions, they would typically work in remote and isolated areas where there may not be access to a dentist. They have a broad scope of practice which includes restorations, periodontal treatment, oral hygiene treatment and extractions of deciduous teeth. Such independent practice is not permitted under the terms of the Dentists Act 1985. Accordingly, the Dental Council has not created a scheme establishing dental therapists as a class of auxiliary dental worker. The Dentists Act 1985 is currently under review.
