Vol. 399 No. 11
77 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health when he will sanction the establishment of classes of auxiliary dental workers and, in particular, the establishment of dental hygienists under the provisions of the Dentists Act, 1985, in line with the submission made by the Dental Council to his Department and which has been under consideration by his Department for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Dental Council submitted for my approval a scheme for the establishment of a register of dental hygienists on 1 June 1989. On examination, it was found that the proposals did not conform with the provisions laid down in the Dentists Act, 1985. The council were asked to revise the scheme last August and I received their new proposals for dental hygienists two weeks ago. These new proposals are under examination at present. The Dental Council have not yet submitted proposals for the establishment of other classes of auxiliary dental worker, such as denturist, dental technician and dental surgery assistant.
