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Dental Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2013

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Questions (270)

Derek Keating

Question:

270. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop a full dental service for children, unemployed people, medical card holders and those paying full PRSI contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54732/13]

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Written answers

The Public Dental Service of the HSE provides dental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons with special needs through its dental clinics. All HSE dental clinics prioritise emergency care for children up to 16 years of age, treatment for special needs patients and screening of children aged from 11 to 13 years, including referral for orthodontic services where necessary. Other services, including screening of children 6 to 8 years, are provided but may be deferred in clinics where there is pressure on resources. The HSE Public Dental Service has recently been re-structured. It is intended that the new arrangements will facilitate standardisation of services available nationally.

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides access to dental treatment for adult medical card holders. The service is provided by contracted dentists. The HSE prioritises for treatment patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs. A free oral examination every calendar year and free emergency dental treatment with a focus on relief of pain and sepsis are available to all eligible patients, regardless of their medical condition. This includes 2 fillings, all extractions, including surgical extractions, and a number of complex treatments. The HSE will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources. Responsibility for the Treatment Benefit Scheme, which provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions, lies with the Minister for Social Protection.

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