Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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3031. To ask the Minister for Health the measures that will be taken to combat the rise in dentists carrying out a treatment (details supplied) for cosmetic reasons instead of carrying out dentistry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42888/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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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 regulation of dentists are a matter for the Dental Council to consider.

By law, the Dental Council must guide the dental profession on all aspects of ethical conduct and behaviour (Section 66 of the Dentists Act 1985).

The Dental Council revised its Code of Practice regarding Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2023. This Code of Practice advises registered dentists, of their obligations in regards to the administration of anti-wrinkle (botulinum toxins) or dermal fillers as cosmetic treatments.

The code obliges dentists to:

• Be competent and experienced.

• Get informed consent from the patient.

• Use products authorised by the Health Products Regulatory Authority.