Following a campaign by members, and conciliation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), a proposal on standardised annual leave for dental nurses and hygienists working in the HSE has been reached.

Fórsa represents over 300 members working as dental nurses and dental hygienists, in both community settings and in hospitals, in the HSE dental system.

The proposal sets out standardised leave arrangements, which would replace a wide variety of local arrangements currently in place. The proposal allows for 26 annual leave days for dental nurses, and 28 annual leave days for senior dental nurses. Hygienists would be allowed 26 annual leave days, while senior hygienists would have 28 annual leave days.

The Health and Welfare divisional executive council (DEC) has confirmed that a ballot of members concerned will now take place on the proposal.

Members have raised the importance of this issue for quite some time, given the significant variance between local arrangements related to annual leave. A claim was lodged by Fórsa on members behalf in 2024. 

Fórsa assistant general secretary Tony Martin said: “This is a big step forward that will provide members with a much fairer system. With members working in the HSE dental system all around the country it was very unfair that location determined annual leave entitlements up to this point.”

Members are urged to update their contact details with the union ahead of a ballot which will open in the coming weeks.

To do so please email: hwhelp@forsa.ie.

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