Paul Kehoe
Question:145. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the number of Ukrainian dentists who have been able to secure dental-related positions in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8128/24]
View answerWednesday, 21 February 2024
Questions (145)
Written answers
The Dental Council of Ireland is the regulator for the dental profession in Ireland. The Council is responsible for establishing, maintaining and publishing a Register of Dentists and a Register of Dental Specialists and to provide for the registration and the retention of dentists names in these registers.
As of the 16th of February 2024 13 Ukrainian dentists have received full registration with the Dental Council. This is an increase since the December 2023 in which there was 10 Ukrainian dentists who obtained full registration. Officials in my Department are in regular contact with the Dental Council on this matter.
The Dental Council have opened an application process for Ukrainian dental professionals. To date 143 of the 162 applications have been reviewed by the Council. This process includes a period of adaptation in which dentists can undertake the full scope of their practice.
The Dental Council have also established a mentorship programme whereby Ukrainian dentists can practice under the mentorship of an established registered dentist. This mentorship process applies when deemed necessary by the Dental Council to gain all the requirements to obtain full registration, such as English language proficiency. These new processes were finalised in August 2022.
It is welcoming to hear that all enquiries who are mainly Ukrainian professionals contacting the Council about registration have been responded to so far.
Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 143.