Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
638 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to address dental health in view of the significant drop in patient numbers due to cutbacks to dental schemes whereby according to a recent survey will lead to a quarter of dentists cutting staff this year with a loss of up to 1,000 jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9488/12]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) funding has been capped at the 2008 level of €63million. This cap represents the maximum funding available for the Scheme. Given the growing demand on the DTSS and current budgetary constraints, it is not possible to expand the service at present. The HSE will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources.
Neither my Department nor the HSE have any functions in relation to the staffing of dentists' private practices. However, the Deputy may wish to note that in 2009 there was a net increase of 233 in the number of dentists contracted to provide services under the DTSS. During 2010 there was a net increase of 40 contracted dentists and in 2011, a net increase of 59 contracted dentists.
