Choosing a dentist

The Council has published this guidance to members of the public to assist them in choosing a dentist, whether at home or abroad. The guidance includes information for patients who may be considering travelling abroad for treatment and highlights certain matters that should be considered in advance. Practitioners should familiarise themselves with this guidance as patients may refer to it.

Choosing your Dentist Home or Abroad - Guidance (Download PDF)

Display of Private Fees

The Code of Practice relating to the Display of Private Fees in Dental Practices was approved by the Dental Council in February 2011.  This Code of Practice makes it mandatory for dentists to display their private fees for certain treatments in a place where patients can read it before their consultation.  The Council has developed the Code as a measure to promote transparency and enhance public confidence in the profession.      

The Code sets out the minimum list of treatments for which fees must be displayed.  For some treatments dentists must display a single fee only.  For other treatments, where a range of fees may apply, the fees displayed must clearly set out both the minimum and maximum fee.  The fees displayed must be accurate, transparent and inclusive of all costs.  It is not permitted for a dentist to set a minimum price only for a treatment.   

The fee notice must be at least A4 size and be legible, accurate and up-to-date.  The fees must be prominently displayed in the practice and must be situated in a place where the patient could reasonably be expected to see it before the consultation.  It is recommended that the fee notice be displayed at any of the following locations:

• entrance to the practice
• reception area(s) 
• waiting room(s)

The Code of Practice takes effect from 1 June 2011. 

Code of Practice – Display of Private Fees

Dentures

It is illegal for anyone other than a Dentist or a registered Clinical Dental Technician to fit a denture for a patient.  The Dental Council recommends that members of the public only obtain dentures for registered professionals so as to ensure the highest standards of clinical care. 

Registered Clinical Dental Technicians are trained to provide denture treatment to patients in a safe environment and before agreeing to treatment you should check that the person providing you with your dentures is registered with the Dental Council.  

The list of registered Clinical Dental Technicians is available below to download.  

Registered Clinical Dental Technicians (Download PDF)

Scope of Practice for each member of the dental team

The ‘Scope of Practice’ document describes the tasks that each member of the dental team is legally entitled to carry out. Practitioners can only carry out treatments that they are trained and competent to perform.

Scope of Practice - Guidance (Download PDF)

Where and How to complain - Healthcare and social care services in Ireland

A “health complaints” website has been developed to provide information on how to make a complaint or give feedback about health and social care services in Ireland. It includes information on how to complain to service providers, Ombudsmen and professional Regulators. It also includes information on how to raise concerns with regulators such as HIQA or the Mental Health Commission. Finally, the website provides detail on advocacy services that will help you make a complaint. The website has been developed for people who use health and social care services in Ireland, as well as for their families, care-givers and advocates.

Link to website.