THE GOVERNMENT HAS approved draft legislation that would make ongoing professional training a legal requirement for dentists, giving the Dental Council new powers to take action against those who fail to keep their skills up to date. While dentists are already expected to undertake CPD as part of their professional and ethical obligations, the requirement is not currently set out in legislation. AdvertisementThe move follows long-standing calls from the Dental Council and the Irish Dental Association for a statutory CPD system. Minister Carroll MacNeill said the changes would help ensure dentists remain “at the forefront of innovation” and continue to provide safe, high-quality care. The Department said the reforms are intended to strengthen patient safety, maintain public confidence in the profession and provide a new framework setting out the obligations of dentists, employers and the Dental Council.