The Oireachtas Health Committee covered a wide range of issues facing dental care in Ireland on May 1st 2024. IDA representatives, along with members of the Dental Council, spoke at length, highlighting a number of critical issues. 

The hearing was dominated by discussion on the lack of legislation to protect patients; the problems with the school screening service and the medical card scheme, and; the lack of a statutory competence assurance scheme for dentists, amongst others.

Click here to watch the full hearing or you can read a transcript of the Committee hearing by clicking here.  

Interestingly, the Department of Health circulated a briefing note to the Committee ahead of the hearing, an indication that the political system feels under pressure in the week of a week of sustained media coverage on dental matters. You can view the Department’s briefing note by clicking here.