Vol. 474 No. 6
87 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Health the guidelines that are laid down in relation to medical card holders regarding dental treatment; if there is a restriction on the number of extractions a medical card holder can have at one time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3499/97]
Limerick East): Under the dental treatment services scheme persons with medical card entitlements in the age groups 16-34 years, and 65 years and over, at present qualify for the provision of routine dental treatment. Where a person is authorised by the health board for a course of routine treatment the necessary number of extractions are provided.
Under the scheme all adults who have medical card entitlements qualify for emergency dental treatment for the relief of pain.
Normally emergency treatment is in respect of one tooth and one treatment procedure, e.g. an extraction or a filling. However, in certain exceptional circumstances more than one tooth or more than one treatment procedure may be involved. In these circumstances the dentist, having satisfied himself/herself as to the clinical necessity, may carry out the necessary treatment for the relief of pain.
