Vol. 505 No. 3
138 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the coverage of dental treatment other than extractions under the general medical services card scheme will be extended to patients other than those in the 16 to 34 years and over 65 years age brackets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13447/99]
The dental health action plan provides for the extension of dental treatment to all adults with medical card entitlement on a phased basis under the dental treatment services scheme. Under the first and second phases of the scheme emergency dental treatment is available to all adult medical card holders. Procedures available under the emergency scheme include extractions, restorations, denture repairs, endodontic procedures and other necessary treatment to control pain, haemorrhage and the sequelae of trauma where urgent treatment is needed. Full denture treatment is available to all edentulous, adult people with no natural teeth. Routine treatment is available to all adults in the 16 to 34 age group and the 65 years and over age group.
My intention is to extend routine dental treatment under the dental treatment services scheme to persons with medical card entitlements in the 35 to 64 age group later this year. This will complete the programmes as provided under the dental health action plan for the phased extension of routine dental treatment to all adults. I have made additional funds available this year to health boards to provide for this development.
My Department and the health boards are currently in discussions with the Irish Dental Association concerning the introduction of revised procedures designed to improve probity, accountability and patient access under the scheme. When I have a firm commitment on these issues the additional funding will be committed to the scheme.
