Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 April 2023
130. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will give consideration to the introduction of a bill to amend the Dentists Act 1985, to reflect recent developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18379/23]
View answerThe Dentists Act 1985 provides for the promotion of high standards of professional education and professional conduct among dentists so that patient health and safety are safeguarded and legislates for the regulation of dentists in Ireland. The Act was amended by the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020, which was signed into law in October 2020.
While the Dentists Act 1985 has served the public and the profession well, I am aware that the it needs to be updated to align with other healthcare profession regulatory legislation. It is intended to update the legislation in order to support the reforms to oral healthcare services and to the oral healthcare profession outlined in the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte.
The process of developing legislation will involve consultation with the public and stakeholders. The protection of the public and ensuring high professional standards will remain the central focus of the new legislation. New legislation must also progress in the context of and in support of the fundamental reforms of dental services envisaged in the national policy over the coming years – it cannot stand alone.
