Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
588. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration is being given to give dental hygienists a dental treatment benefit contract in order to allow persons avail of a free scale and polish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49207/17]
View answerIn order to hold a contract under the Department’s treatment benefit scheme, a practitioner must be entitled to operate in their own right. Dental hygienists cannot currently operate independently. Under the Irish Dental Council’s code of practice, “Dental work carried out by a dental hygienist may only be carried out under the supervision of a registered dentist, who has first examined the patient and who has indicated to the dental hygienist the course of treatment to be provided.” As a result, it is currently not possible for dental hygienists to hold a contract with this Department.
I understand that consideration is being given by the Department of Health to allow a range of health professionals, including dental hygienists, to operate in independent practice. This is under consideration as part of proposed new legislation to replace the Dentists Act 1985.
My Department is awaiting the outcome of these considerations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
