Dental hygienists should have a greater role in Ireland’s dental care, according to the Irish Dental Hygienist’s Association (IDHA).

Its call comes as Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill prepares to deliver the opening speech at the IDHA Annual Conference in Cork tomorrow.

The conference will focus on the skills required to allow dental hygienists a greater role in the provision of dental care in Ireland, a move that could improve patient outcomes, reduce waiting lists and ease the growing strain on dental services.

The lack of timely access to care is depriving people of opportunities for prevention, early diagnosis and intervention, often resulting in more complex or invasive treatments, including extractions. With a shortage of dentists and a growing population, prevention-led services must become a greater priority. Children and adults with disabilities are facing waiting times of more than two years for dental treatment under general anaesthesia.

Sviatlana Anishchuk, President of the IDHA, stated: “We are honoured that Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will be joining us. Her presence is a positive step toward building stronger collaboration between government and dental health professionals, particularly dental hygienists, and supporting improvements in oral health for all.”

The IDHA is urging the Government to amend the Dental Act 1985, which currently requires dental hygienists to work only under referral from a dentist. The association says that a simple legislative amendment could unlock the full potential of the profession, reflecting dental hygienists’ advanced skills and training, reducing dentists’ workloads, and giving patients faster access to preventive care.

“At present, Ireland lags behind other European countries where dental hygienists can provide direct-access care,” said Ms Anishchuk. “With shortages of dentists and rising patient demand, enabling dental hygienists to work to the full extent of their qualifications is both practical and necessary.”

Ms Anishchuk also noted that the IDHA demands are fully in line with government health policy. “This approach aligns fully with Smile agus Sláinte and supports the introduction of preventative care packages for various population groups, from birth through to age 65 and beyond.

“We are hopeful that under the leadership of Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the necessary changes will be introduced to deliver better, more efficient dental and health outcomes for everyone.”

Tags: hygienists