asked the Minister for Health if he will request the VHI to extend insurance to cover dental care and treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - VHI Dental Cover.
5.
At present the Voluntary Health Insurance Board provide cover for dental and orosurgical operations and for emergency dental treatment arising from accidents.
As the Deputy is aware I have recently commissioned consultants to examine voluntary health insurance schemes in other countries with a view to the early introduction by the VHI of a comprehensive general practitioner and out-patient scheme. The formulation of that comprehensive scheme will provide an opportunity to review also the possibility of extending the board's schemes to provide for routine dental care and dental applicances.