New Irish Faculty celebrates launch
by Guy Hiscott
A new educational initiative aimed at practising dentists was successfully launched on Saturday 28 March at the New Green Isle Hotel in Dublin.
A group of 140 dentists from all over the country attended the inaugural meeting of the Irish Faculty of Primary Dental Care (IFPDC), which has a membership of 300.
The aim of the new body is to ensure that patients receive the highest possible standard of dental care at the primary care level when they attend their general dental practitioner.
According to Dr Frank Ormsby, a leading proponent of the new faculty, over 90% of dental care in Ireland is delivered by general dental practitioners.
Dr Ormsby said: ‘’Our new faculty will promote the welfare of our patients by keeping all practitioners up to date with established best practice.’
The new faculty will provide access to online educational materials and scientific databases, as well as organising courses and tutored teaching sessions leading to specific qualifications related to general dental practice.
Dr Richard Hayward, the Dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice in the UK, said that they have been successful in raising the profile of general dental practice there and promised their continuing support for the Irish Faculty.
The Faculty has been supported by a start up grant from DeCare Dental Insurance Ireland. Speaking on behalf of the company its chief dental officer, Dr Ger Gavin praised the initiative and vision of the organising committee and welcomed the commitment of the IFPDC to the welfare of patients.
