David Cullinane
Question:33. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will review dental practice regulations, in line with calls from the Dental Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40787/23]
View answerThursday, 21 September 2023
Questions (33)
Written answers
The practice of dentistry is underpinned by a range of legislation, of which the Dentists Act 1985 is only one. Currently 5 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.
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.