Michael Ring
Question:451 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a refund of her dental costs under the dental treatment benefit scheme. [2275/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
To benefit under the dental benefit scheme, an insured worker must be treated by a dentist who has entered into an agreement with my Department to provide treatments under the scheme on a contract basis and at fees specified in the agreement. Under these arrangements and with limited exceptions, treatments are provided to the patient either free of charge or at a reduced fee and the Department pays the balance of the cost directly to the dentist at the agreed rates.
There is no trace of an application for dental benefit in respect of the person concerned. In the circumstances, she may have been treated by a dentist who is not currently participating in the dental benefit scheme in which case she would not be entitled to benefit under the scheme.
If she requires more information or is in need of further dental treatment, she should contact my Department on LoCall number 1890-400-400 prior to commencing treatment.