Minister tables bill to allow dentists to incorporate

Julie Bettney, Minister of Health and Community Services, has tabled an amendment to the Dental Act to allow for the incorporation of dentists. The amendment was given a second reading in the House of Assembly Tuesday, November 20.

"I am pleased we are able to respond to a request from the Newfoundland Dental Association, who are supported in this legislation change by the Newfoundland Dental Board," said Minister Bettney. Currently, dentists in British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island can incorporate.

"Through this amendment to the Dental Act, this province falls in line with many other jurisdictions across the country," the minister stated. "It will help this province provide an incentive for the recruitment and retention of dentists and allow us to be more competitive in our recruitment strategies."

Minister Bettney said she looks forward to receiving support for this amendment from her colleagues in the House of Assembly. "It is another initiative of this government to continue to put in place recruitment and retention strategies for our health professionals.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2001 11 21                              9:45 a.m.