- Island dentistry laws are now in line with UK standards after States agreed existing legislation needed updating
- Ancillary workers can now carry out procedures such as teeth whitening
THE Island’s dentistry law will be overhauled, after the States agreed that the existing legislation needed to be updated.
Health Minister Andrew Green lodged the proposition calling for the Dentists (Registration) (Jersey) Law, which has not been updated since 1961, to be repealed.
The change in the law will mean that ancillary workers, such as dental hygienists, will be allowed to do the same work in Jersey as they are permitted to do in the UK.
It means that they will be able to carry out procedures such as teeth whitening, which only registered dentists are permitted to perform at present.
Senator Green said: ‘This will allow those people to do the same work as in the UK, and gives a much greater choice for Islanders on who they can go to for dental work.
It will bring us in line with the UK and repeals that 1961 law.’
The draft law allows someone who is registered with the General Dental Council in the UK to register in Jersey.
It also enables clinical dental technicians, dental nurses, dental technicians, orthodontic therapists, dental therapists and dental hygienists to be registered to practise in Jersey.
The new legislation was passed in a standing vote.
