Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2014
150. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the public dental health services available to children in post-primary education in County Kildare who are covered by a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38754/14]
View answer151. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the public dental health services available to children in post-primary education in County Kildare if they are not covered by a medical card or health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38756/14]
View answer169. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the public dental health services that are available to children in post-primary education in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38807/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 150, 151 and 169 together.
Dental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons of all ages with special needs are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE 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 Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders over the age of 16. All medical card holders are entitled to specific dental treatments e.g., an annual dental examination, two fillings in each calendar year, extractions as necessary. Additional treatments are available to persons with specific medical conditions including persons in receipt of care or services for a disability and persons on a register of disability.
