New Legislation to establish a statutory basis for Continuing Professional Development (“CPD”) for Dentists.

The Irish Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has recently secured Government approval for a policy proposal to introduce a statutory basis for Continuing Professional Development (“CPD”) for the dental profession. The new legislation will amend the Dentists Act 1985 and allow the Dental Council to act in a proactive manner in cases of non-compliance with CPD requirements as opposed to waiting for a Fitness to Practice complaint to be made.

The development will ensure that the regulation of the dental profession is more closely aligned with other health professions while ensuring patient safety and allowing the public to retain its confidence in the dental profession while recognising and supporting dentists in their commitment to ethical obligations and lifelong professional development.

The Department of Health has indicated that the Bill will provide a new framework not only for the obligations and powers of the Regulator but also for dentists and employers. The draft general scheme of the Bill will be eagerly awaited.

For more information, please contact Ciara Hanrtty, Ciara Cornyn or another member of the Healthcare team.

*This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute, nor should be regarded as, a substitute for taking legal advice that is tailored to your circumstances.