Dr. Edoardo Cavallé
In 2023, the Working Group continued prioritizing the topic of the Medical Devices Regulation and its impact on dentistry. We actively engaged on ensuring that the timelines for re-certification under the MDR are extended, a process that was successfully implemented in the beginning of the year. Furthermore, the Working Group discussed in-depth the role of dentists within the MDR, and the importance of clear definitions and understanding of the nature of dental work and medical devices. The work on this topic resulted in the CED Statement on Dentistry and the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), which was successfully adopted at the November 2023 General Meeting.
The Working Group continued engaging on various dental materials issues, focusing on relevant legislation such as the Revision of Regulation (EU) 2017/852 on mercury and the related European Commission proposal on the topic. Through its subgroup on amalgam, our organisation engaged with policymakers involved in the process and also encouraged the CED members to continue highlighting the profession’s position on the matter.
In the coming year, the Working Group will continue engaging on the MDR and is ready to respond to ongoing and emerging developments on dental materials of relevance to the CED members.
Dr. Alexander Tolmeijer
The Working Group focused on two major priorities for 2023: developments in eHealth policy at the EU level, as well as the issue of Direct To Consumer (DTC) orthodontics.
On the first topic, the Working Group actively engaged on the European Health Data Space (EHDS), highlighting the priorities on the file for the dental profession: the importance of realistic timelines for implementation, the need to remove any financial and administrative burdens for healthcare professionals, the fact that dental practices that qualify as small and micro enterprises alike will face challenges with secondary data obligations as per the current EHDS text. Through the WG eHealth, the CED actively engaged in lobbying activities in relation to the EHDS, suggesting amendments to the file as well as producing a Position on it, adopted during the May 2023 General Meeting. Our work continued through joint statements with other healthcare professionals’ associations, as well as template letters for outreach to members’ policymakers involved in the legislative process.
On the topic of DTC orthodontics, the Working Group collaborated on the creation of a CED Position on ‘Direct to Consumer Orthodontics’, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Dentistry. The Position warns of the dangers of orthodontics services that exclude the dentist as part of the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. It also provides key recommendations in order to ensure that patients are protected from this ongoing tendency, and that a dentist is properly and fully involved throughout the process of orthodontic treatment.
In 2024, the Working Group will remain engaged on the EHDS and will continue to work on raising awareness on DTC orthodontics, while also responding to any new developments on eHealth policy of relevance to the dental profession.
Prof. Dr. Paulo Melo
Dr. Nuala Carney
In 2023, the Working Group adopted a CED position on the Recognition of Qualifications of diplomas acquired in third countries, based on the results of the questionnaire conducted on this topic. The document calls for a rigorous scrutiny of third country qualifications, consistent recognition process, EU-aligned standards for simplified or expedited recognition processes and clear language requirements.
The results of the questionnaire were also used in the CED reply to the European Commission (EC) call for evidence on the Recommendation on the recognition of qualifications of third country nationals.
Two of the CED policy documents on education and professional qualifications were updated, specifically the “Resolution on the Profile of the Dentist of the Future – key driving forces in dentistry” and the “Statement on Specialist Dentists”.
Finally, the WG initiated its work on the topic of EU dental diplomas, starting with a survey aimed to assess the evidence and opinion of Members on undergraduate operative clinical training to provide proper dental care. The results of this survey will be used in the next year as evidence for the CED reply to the EC draft Delegated Act on “Recognising the professional qualifications of nurses, pharmacists & dental practitioners: updated training requirements”.
We will continue to monitor the relevant EU legislation on the topic and give the CED input for high-standard education.
Dr. Alessandra Rossi
Dr. Vasileios Stathopoulos
In 2023, the Working Group updated its mandate, rethinking its core priorities under a new Chair.
On antimicrobial resistance, we continued to be involved in the AMR Stakeholder Network Group, and the CED became member as a stakeholder within the European Commission AMR One Health Network. The first meeting of the Network took place in September in a virtual format, where the recently adopted proposal for a Council Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance in a One Health approach as part of the pharmaceutical package was discussed. The CED has also engaged with other European healthcare professionals’ association to discuss the new proposal for the European Pharmaceutical Legislation and reply to the consultation on the legislation.
The Working Group was also active on the topic of Vaccination, taking part in the Coalition for Vaccination meetings and campaigns, such as a webinar organised by the European Commission for healthcare professionals and the co-signature of the statement by the coalition, as a common voice of healthcare professionals calling the population to get vaccinated.
The Working Group was very active to engage in the multiple European initiatives on health and replied to many consultations relevant to oral health, such as the European EU4HEALTH programme, feedback on the Beating Cancer Plan, the revision of the tobacco legislation, and the uptake of HPV vaccination.
Moreover, we focused on the WHO Resolution on Oral Health and provided the CED input to its development.
In 2024, the Working Group will continue to explore its priorities and work on activities relevant to the CED and its members.
Prof. Dr. Ioannis Tzoutzas
The Working Group continued monitoring relevant EU legislative developments, specifically focusing on dentistry and waste, in view of legislative pieces such as the EU Waste Framework Directive.
Moreover, a survey on vaccination practices for dentists was conducted within the CED members, assessing the requirements and recommendations in each country.
The overview of relevant scientific articles for the members’ information and reference continued expanding and being updated on the CED website, under the WG section.
Next year, the Working Group will continue to focus on the topic of dentistry and waste management, as well as monitoring and reacting to EU legislative updates, and on any relevant developments related to patient safety and infection control.