Dentistry regulation failures
Deputy Shortall highlighted an RTÉ report on the lack of regulation and legislative reform in dentistry, including unregistered practitioners and sanctioned dentists working in Ireland. The Minister of State said she would seek a written response from the Health Minister and department.
Is the Minister for Health coming back or has he left?
Comment on this
I am sorry to see that he is gone because this morning, "RTÉ Investigates" revealed that the Dental Council had written to the Government about what it termed the indefensible lack of regulation and legislative reform in respect of dentistry. In September it was revealed that several people practising dentistry in this country are unregistered, including one individual who has been convicted of sexual assault. We also know that in the past eight years, 37 dentists have worked in Ireland despite having been sanctioned in other jurisdictions. The Dental Council is powerless to do anything about these cases because it is operating under 40-year-old legislation. In addition, none of the new provisions of the regulated professions Act of 2020 have been commenced. When will the Minister engage in this important issue and ensure patient safety?