Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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796.To ask the Minister for Health if the frequency and capacity of Dental Council’s registration examination for non-EEA dentists will be increased, in view of the fact that the exam is currently only held once a year and is oversubscribed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25176/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Dentists Act 1985 establishes the Dental Council as the regulatory body for the dental profession in Ireland. As such, issues concerning the registration of dentists are a matter for the Dental Council to consider.

The Dental Council advises that it is continuing to look at the potential to further increase capacity for the Dental Council examination for non-EEA dentists. For the 2024 examination, capacity was increased by 50% in co-operation with the Dublin and Cork dental schools whose support, clinical resources and expertise are a key component of the examination.

Noting that the examination provides a route to registration and practise for dentists, the Dental Council will continue to maintain a focus on competence and patient safety throughout its efforts in this area.