David Cullinane
Question:260. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend the Dental Act 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40829/23]
View answerThursday, 21 September 2023
Questions (260, 261)
David Cullinane
Question:261. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to give powers of investigation and sanction to the Dental Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40830/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
The practice of dentistry is underpinned by a range of legislation, of which the Dentists Act 1985 is only one. Currently five separate state and regulatory agencies (Health Information and Quality Authority, Health Service Executive, Health and Safety Authority, Environmental Protection Agency and Local Authorities) have a regulatory interest and oversight of dental practices, primarily for the protection of the public.
While I am aware that the Dentists Act 1985 needs to be updated to align with other healthcare profession regulatory legislation, the Act was amended by the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020, which was signed into law in October 2020.
In the context of the wider need to update dental legislation, the Department of Health is committed to reviewing the Dentists Act 1985. The protection of the public and ensuring high oral healthcare standards will continue to be the central focus of this work. The review and updating of the legislation also, necessarily, is directly related to the wider implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, which envisages a fundamental reform of oral health services. As such, any new legislation will also be informed by this work. Additional resources have been allocated to commence this work to further strengthen the regulation of dentists in Ireland. The Department is currently undertaking preparatory scoping and planning work to support the review. As part of this preparatory scoping work, the Department is considering all of the necessary inputs required to deliver a robust, evidence based modern regulatory framework with due consideration to the policy alignment referenced above.
Question No. 261 answered with Question No. 260.