Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020
816. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the legal opinion obtained by his Department in 1996 regarding the reason dental technicians cannot register with the Dental Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26480/20]
View answer817. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to facilitate the registration of dental technicians with the Dental Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26481/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 816 and 817 together.
The Dental Council, under the Dentists Act 1985, establishes and maintains registers relating to dentistry, namely:
- Register of Dentists
- Register of Dental Specialists
- Register of Hygienists
- Register of Dental Nurses
- Register of Clinical Dental Technicians
There are currently no plans to create a register for dental technicians but the Department is open to discussing this issue with the Dental Council.
Currently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the obligation for Departmental staff to work remotely, it is not possible to check the archived files that may contain the legal opinion referred to. I will revert to the Deputy when these files can be accessed.
