Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
372. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 3 October 2019, the reason periodontology is not recognised as a dental speciality by the Dental Council of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43351/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTwo specialties in dentistry are recognised for specialist registration under the Dentists Act 1985 i.e. Oral Surgery and Orthodontics. This is in line with the majority of EU countries.
The determination of specialties to be recognised for the purpose of specialist registration is ultimately a matter for the Minister for Health in line with the provisions of the Dentists Act 1985. Training in periodontology is provided in Ireland and the Dental Council has arrangements in place for formal oversight of such training programmes so that highly skilled personnel are trained and available.
Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy which was published in April 2019, will support the provision of all levels of care, by appropriate oral healthcare professionals in the most suitable settings. The initial focus is on primary care, where the majority of care takes place. The need for support for primary care from appropriately skilled personnel in advanced oral healthcare centres is recognised and is an integral part of the Policy. This will include the provision of secondary and tertiary periodontal care that cannot be provided by primary oral healthcare professionals.
An assessment of the workforce and skills required for the provision of the full range of oral healthcare will be part of the Policy implementation. The question of recognition and registration of any additional specialties will, I expect, be considered in this context.
