This new strategy, the first such strategy in thirteen years, will allow for a significant examination of the current dental sector in Ireland.

Some of the main areas which will be examined as part of the development of this strategy include the integration of oral health in the wider health care delivery system and examining the possibility of  stream-lining the existing state-funded  dental schemes. It will also examine a revised regulatory regime for the dental sector in Ireland culminating in a new Dentists Act and look at manpower planning, specialisation and skills-mix including the recognition and future expansion of role of auxiliary dental professions and the identification of appropriate training needs.

“I  am  also  anxious that we coordinate, and where possible, streamline  existing  methods  of service delivery to reduce inefficiencies, achieve greater  value  for money, produce synergies and deliver a greater level of service.  Also, I am concerned that in developing this policy that we place  a  strong  emphasis on future dental treatment needs and set down the strategies for services and professionals which will help us deliver on  these  needs.  We  must also be cognisant of the continuing value of
education in oral disease prevention.”

It is expected  that  the  new  National  Oral  Health  Policy  report will be available in July 2008.

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