The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, announced the research and development of a new National Oral Health Policy last month and undertook a keynote address on the subject at Croke Park on 18 October. This new oral health strategy, the first in 13 years, will be undertaken by the Department of Health … Continued

Scientists at University College Cork are working on a biodegradable gum that can be digested or worn away by the elements. Elke Arendt, head of the research team, said the gum is based on proteins from cereals rather than synthetic rubber. The project, which started in the spring of this year, involves isolating proteins from … Continued

Problems in the public dental system are causing services for children and special-needs patients to suffer, according to dentists. The Irish Dental Association is blaming the problems on a failure to properly review the dental scheme for medical card holders. It reports its members have lost faith in the public system and the situation is … Continued

The Competition Authority has published its final report on competition in dental services in Ireland. The report finds that competition in dental services is restricted and discouraged by an outdated system of regulation. Chairperson of the Competition Authority, Bill Prasifka states: ‘Consumers are paying too much for dental services in Ireland. This is not surprising … Continued

On 17 September Health Minister Michael McGimpsey announced an injection of £4\.4 million into health service dentistry, addressing the problems of access reported in parts of the province. In a statement to the Assembly, the Minister said: ‘I strongly believe that people who want health service dentistry should be able to get it. That is … Continued

Identex, Ireland’s largest dental equipment, materials and services exhibition, will take place on 9 and 10 November 2007 at The Pavilion, Leopardstown Racecourse, Foxrock, Dublin 18. With over 12,000 sq.ft of exhibition space, this glass-fronted building is one of Dublin’s superior venues, overlooking the racecourse and located just off the M50 motorway. This allows for … Continued

Following a recommendation by the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, a country-wide study to check fluoride levels is being planned. Fluoride levels in tap water were reduced on 1 July this year, from 0.8 to 1.0 ppm to between 0.6 and 0.8 ppm, with a target value of 0.7 ppm. Legislation to amend … Continued