A parliamentary committee in Ireland has been informed that approximately 40 dentists practising in the country have been subject to disciplinary actions in other European nations. However, the local regulatory authority for dentistry lacks the power to take any corrective measures. One such individual, who holds a conviction for sexual assault, was permitted to practice dentistry in Ireland, with the Dental Council of Ireland unable to act because it lacked the required legal authority.
David O’Flynn, the council registrar, spoke to the health committee on Wednesday, citing 12 occasions on which the council was powerless to intervene due to outdated legislation from 1985. Unregistered dentists have been providing treatments, inclusive of one person with a sexual assault conviction. Furthermore, instances were reported where a dentist failed to diagnose a severe infection in a child, and another continued practising despite being deregistered in two other European countries.
Mr O’Flynn noted that the council was notified by international regulators of around 40 dentists registered in Ireland who had been subjected to disciplinary action abroad. However, because those dentists were registered in Ireland before being disciplined, the council was powerless to act.
Other cases highlighted included significant issues with infection prevention and hygiene controls, with one practitioner operating from a portable building. Instances were often reported where equipment was inadequately sterilised, with one particularly unsavoury incident involving a dentist leaving used, bloody teeth on a radiator. Mr O’Flynn questioned how the dental council could protect patients when the existing legislation does not permit it to inspect dental practices or consider sanctions incurred abroad.
An example of external concern was raised, where a tattoo artist requested an inspection of their dentist’s practice, citing worries over inadequate sterilisation of dental instruments. The fact that the council lacked the legal power to conduct inspections was seen as incredulous.
Mr O’Flynn also pointed out that there was no legal requirement for a dentist to prove their ongoing competence. “Once a dentist begins practicing after graduating from dental school, there is no responsibility over their 40-year career to prove to the regulatory authority that they possess the necessary skills to practice dentistry properly,” he said.
He informed the members of parliament that the current legislation only permits the dental council to respond after an incident has occurred. “In order for an up-to-date regulation system, it is a necessity for regulators to take preventative measures, intervening before potential harm occurs,” he stressed.
The public’s trust in the industry is dwindling due to outdated changes in dental regulation, he continued, pointing out a lack of dental practice registry and an inability to hold accountable those owners of practices who are not professionally recognised as dentists.
It was further pointed out that five consecutive health secretaries had affirmed promises to revise the legislative measures, but no progress has been made.
To address this immediate issue, Mr O’Flynn proposed the initiation of a statutory scheme for professional competence, authorization of the council to review dentists’ qualifications, and the formulation of a fresh legislative groundwork for dentistry education.