Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
501. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he or the Health Service Executive covers claims from clients of orthodontists where the procedure has gone wrong; if there is a national body to monitor the insurance cover for dentists and orthodontists; and if there is a regulatory body tasked with ensuring that such professionals comply with best practice. [19307/16]
View answerDental practitioners and orthodontists must purchase professional clinical indemnity cover from one of the medical defence organisations or commercial insurers, except in respect of public services provided in HSE dental clinics and in the two Dental Hospitals. In these circumstances, claims arising from the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients in public healthcare enterprises is delegated to the State Claims Agency which has a statutory mandate to investigate and manage these cases to completion. All practitioners delivering orthodontic treatment are required to be registered by the Dental Council. The Council's Code of Practice relating to Professional Behaviour and Ethical Conduct requires practitioners to hold appropriate professional indemnity cover.
