Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1237. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to medical card holders being refused treatment by dentists in view to the fact they have ceased working with the HSE due to disputes in relation to PPE; the entitlements and options of medical card holders in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21689/20]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over.
I expect due process to be followed in respect of any withdrawal from the terms of a DTSS contract, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice. I also expect dentists to continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period, to either provide a service or to ensure that patients are referred to another dentist who will provide a service. The HSE will assist medical card holders in accessing such treatment, if required.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has advised that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for routine dentistry. This is supported by the Dental Council which has indicated that dentists must take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. The cost of PPE should not be a key determinant in decisions on the treatment of patients.
