EU endorse age limit for dentists
The European Court of Justice has said that there should be an age limit for practicing dentistry.
After hearing the case of German dentist Domnica Peterson, who has been in practice since 1974 and protested when she was denied health insurance coverage after she reached 68-years-old, the court said that national measures for the protection of public health could supersede prohibition on age discrimination.
The high court agreed with the national court’s ruling that an age limit was justified to protect patients from deteriorating performance.
However, it said that such an age limit must apply to all dentists both in public and private practice.
It also agreed that such a limit was reasonable, as it would provide more opportunities for young dentists to find jobs.
Working age is an issue in Germany. High unemployment rates have spurred calls for mandatory retirement policies to be introduced. Around eight per cent of German’s are currently unemployed.
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