Dr Sarah Jane Grufferty

My name is Sarah Jane Grufferty. I am a current member of the Dental Council, first elected in 2021. I am honoured to be a candidate for re-election to the Council. Over the last four years, I have served on all of its statutory committees.

I currently serve on four committees: Education & Training, Auxiliaries, Fitness to Practise (FTP), and the Assessment Sub-Committee (which supports registration pathways for dentists holding refugee status). As a young female dentist, I bring a compassionate, collaborative approach to Council work. I value teamwork, resilience, and integrity, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue to serve and help shape a brighter future for dental regulation and policy.

My clinical background spans both public and private practice in Ireland and Australia. I have worked in private practice in Cork, Dublin, and Sydney, and in the public service in the Midlands, Kildare/Wicklow and Dublin North City as a Senior Dentist. My unique experience has given me a broad perspective on the challenges facing our profession — including workforce shortages, access issues for vulnerable patients, and the need for improved regulation and CPD opportunities.

Academically, I hold a Master’s in Healthcare Management (RCSI), am a Member of the Faculty of Dentistry (RCSI), and have Diplomas in Primary Care and Decontamination in Primary Care. My term as President of the Irish Society of Dentistry for Children strengthened my commitment to continuing professional development.

During my time on Council, I was heavily involved in the development of a new mentorship pathway to registration for refugee dentists, which has been operating with the assistance of mentoring general practice dentists all over Ireland. I also contributed to the revision of scopes for Dental Auxiliaries, a significant body of work carried over from the previous Council term. My FTP involvement has been extensive, including participation in several inquiries and chairing two. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the Council’s duty to uphold professional standards and protect patient safety. I am proud to have contributed to the council’s submission for legislative change — calling for mandatory CPD, practice regulation, and enhanced fitness to practise provisions.

It is vital to maintain continuity on the Council as we revise the Dentist’s Act 1985 and support the implementation of the national oral health policy. My experience will help drive that progress. I would be privileged to continue working on the future of dental regulation in Ireland.