The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by over 1,400 independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. I understand that since the beginning of March, 161 dentists have withdrawn from the DTSS and that 58 new applications are being processed. This is within the normal range of fluctuations of dentists participating in the Scheme in recent years.
The DTSS contract allows the dentist to withdraw from the scheme by giving 3 month’s notice in writing. I 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 assists medical card holders to access such treatment when required.
My Department, in conjunction with the HSE and supported by guidance from Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), is examining the issue of the provision of PPE across all parts of the health service, including health service contractors. My Department has been engaging with the Irish Dental Association (IDA) throughout the pandemic and is preparing for further engagement on any additional measures to support the oral health of the public during these difficult times.
