Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 5

Written Answers. - Dental Services.

Michael Finucane

Ceist:

37 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed that the Irish Dental Council guidelines relating to the administration of general anaesthesia and sedation and on resuscitation are seriously flawed and require urgent amendment and restructuring; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that, in spite of the concern expressed by dentists experienced in these areas, the council has continued to maintain the guidelines published by it in August 1996; and the steps, if any, being taken by him to ensure that the difficulties in this area are satisfactorily resolved. [8900/99]

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

82 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed that the Irish Dental Council guidelines relating to the administration of general anaesthesia and sedation and on resuscitation are seriously flawed and require urgent amendment and restructuring; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that, in spite of the concern expressed by dentists experienced in these areas, the council has continued to maintain the guidelines published by it in August 1996; and the steps, if any, being taken by him to ensure that the difficulties in this area are satisfactorily resolved. [14099/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 82 together.

The regulation of dentistry in Ireland is the statutory responsibility of the Dental Council. It has an obligation and a duty to promote the highest standards in the practice of dentistry and to issue guidelines when necessary to support these standards.

I understand that the Dental Council published guidelines in booklet form in 1996 on the administration of general anaesthesia and sedation and on resuscitation. The guidelines were circulated to all members of the dental profession. These guidelines were drawn up because of the evidence which had become available to the council, of poor standards of practice in this area. The guidelines lay down parameters which will ensure, in so far as it is possible that general anaesthesia and sedation will be practised safely in dental practice. They set out requirements regarding the use of drugs, the training of operators and support staff, the selection of patients and the standards of monitoring. The most important consideration and the council's principal concern in producing the guidelines is the welfare and safety of patients.

The Dental Council is satisfied that the guidelines are appropriate, unambiguous, clear and can be defended scientifically. The council has advised that it has been and continues to be willing to discuss its guidelines with any group within the dental profession and would be happy to address any concerns identified by members of the profession.

The council regularly reviews its guidelines and would, as part of a review, consider any submissions made by any member, group or other interested parties.