Mar
28
2017

Rogue denture providers putting the public at risk, CDTAI warns

Illegal denture providers, some of whom are operating from garden sheds and kitchen tables, are putting their clients’ oral health at serious risk – according to a stark warning from the Clinical Dental Technicians Association of Ireland (CDTAI).

The Association, which has vowed to take action to protect the public from rogue providers, warned that using an illegal provider brings with it a number of dangers – including the chance that a serious issue such as oral cancer may go undetected.

Philip McGrath, Association Chair, explained that illegal denture providers have no training or qualifications to carry out the procedures they offer, which often include making and fitting dentures to improve an individual’s appearance and ability to speak or chew.

“The work of a Clinical Dental Technician is very specialized and, as with other health professions, it can take years to learn and train before you are qualified,” said Mr McGrath.

“Under the law only qualified and registered clinical dental technicians and dentists are permitted to provide dentures to the public, which is an important means of safeguarding an individual’s oral health and wellbeing.

“We have received reports of patients being treated by unqualified denture providers in dirty, unhygienic conditions with one patient even detailing how one provider attempted to put an ungloved hand in her mouth, despite an open wound on his finger.

“Worryingly, using an illegal provider is also putting people off having regular check ups with a qualified dental clinician which means that abnormalities, including oral cancers, are not being detected at an early stage.”

Mr McGrath explained that as a first step, the Association has been working to gather evidence on the effect of illegal denture providers, including logging complaints form patients, gathering evidence from websites and advertisements and using private investigators to obtain independent evidence of those willing to provide dentures directly to the public.

Cease and desist letters have also been issued to illegal denture providers across Ireland, including requests that they stop illegal dentistry and remove associated advertising and signage.

Failure to comply, Mr McGrath warned, will result in the Association taking injunctive court action to enforce the law.

He continued: “The Association has worked hard for many years to try and stop these practices but it still remains a serious issue. We can no longer stand by and watch as these people pretend to be qualified dental clinicians and piggyback on the hard work and reputation of our members. Which is why we have decided we must take action to not only warn the public but also to stop such practices.

“This is a growing problem and one the Association – a group of proud, hard working dental professionals – will no longer tolerate,” continued Mr McGrath.

Mr McGrath concluded by urging anyone who is looking for the services of a dental technician not to take a chance with their health – ask questions and look for their certificates.

If anyone is in any doubt about the qualifications of their chosen practitioner they can check their details on the Clinical Dental Technicians Association website www.cdtai.ie or contact the Dental Council of Ireland who hold an up to date register of all qualified denture providers: Telephone 016762069 or visit www.dentalcouncil.ie

If anyone feels that they may have received treatment from an unqualified denture provider then we would urge them to contact their local qualified dental professional as soon as possible to arrange an examination.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Philip McGrath, Chair of the Clinical Dental Technicians Association of Ireland please contact:

Philip McGrath
Tel 047 38355
Mob 0044 7515682792
email: infocdtai@gmail.com


Click here to download this Press Release as a PDF document

Read more about this issue in The Irish Times March 18th 2017 – Click here

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