Expanding the role of dental hygienists
The Minister said current law bars dental hygienists from performing dental treatment, but a forthcoming Dentists Bill would allow a new Dental Council to register and define the work of auxiliary dental workers. He expected to introduce the Bill after the summer recess.
asked the Minister for Health the plans he has for expanding the role of dental hygienists in this country.
Comment on this
Under the provisions of the Dentists Act, 1928 it is illegal for a dental hygienist, or indeed for any other auxiliary dental worker, to perform any operation or to give any treatment usually performed or given by a dentist. However, I hope to introduce a new Dentists Bill soon to replace the 1928 Act. The new legislation will propose the setting up of a new Dental Council which would have the power to recognise and register auxiliary dental workers, including dental hygienists, and to specify the extent of the dental work they could undertake under the direction of a dentist. When this legislation has been enacted the qualifications and training of dental hygienists as well as the role they might play in the public dental service are matters which would have to be given detailed consideration.
