Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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673. To ask the Minister for Health the engagements that he has had with the Dental Council of Ireland in relation to Ukrainian dentists now living in Ireland; the steps being taken to accelerate the registration of Ukrainian dentists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59037/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the news that some Ukrainian dentists who are currently living in Ireland wish to practise here. Officials in my Department are in regular contact with the Dental Council on this matter and the Dental Council have advised that it is doing everything it can to expedite the registration of these dentists.

The Dental Council have advised that a new registration process has opened specifically for those who have obtained refugee and temporary protection status in Ireland. This includes individuals granted temporary protection due to the conflict in Ukraine.

This process includes a new mentorship program that allows oral healthcare professionals practise under a period of adaptation where deemed necessary by the Dental Council to gain all the requirements to obtain full registration, such as English language proficiency.

The Dental Council began to issue versioned guidance to mentors and those undertaking a period of adaptation. This allowed applications to be processed more efficiently. The first version was issued on 11 September and the second on the 16 November 2022.

The Dental Council is available to advise any Ukrainian dentist who is seeking to be registered to practice in Ireland.