Dental Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 March 2014

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Questions (265)

Denis Naughten

Question:

265. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to a Topical Issues debate of 18 December 2013 regarding an orthodontic investigation, the current status of the investigation; the number of persons who were referred to the Dental Council; if the persons involved are still practising here or overseas; the response to date from the Dental Council; the sterilisation process employed prior to the refitting of the braces; when the children who received the braces will be contacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12632/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I wish to assure the Deputy that there is no ongoing risk to the public in relation to this case. The HSE has advised that based on the information available there is no need for a look back or for contact with patients. The HSE has further advised that other aspects of the case still under investigation relate to issues which are not of a public health concern.

The Dental Council was notified of this individual case. Under Section 38 of the Dentists Act 1985 matters concerning complaints against dentists can only be made public by the Council without the consent of the registrant if there has been a finding of professional misconduct or unfitness to practise dentistry. The individual who was the subject of the investigation is not practising here. The General Dental Council in the UK has also been notified. The issue of practising in other jurisdictions is a matter for those jurisdictions.