Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
461. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the dental scheme for medical card holders entitles them to two fillings per year, regardless of whether the tooth or teeth requiring fillings were previously filled, in view of the fact that patients have been informed by some dentists that fillings for teeth previously filled are not covered under the scheme. [15378/15]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme 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 per year, all extractions, including surgical extractions, and a number of complex treatments. A subsequent filling on the same tooth can be approved by the HSE where such treatment is clinically necessary.
