Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
470. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the treatments which are no longer available and which are currently available, respectively under the dental treatment services scheme to patients; the change in coverage for treatments which are presently available but with reduced coverage; when treatments ceased to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27077/21]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) makes available the following dental treatments to medical card holders: Oral examination; Prophylaxis (scale and polish); Restorations (fillings); Exodontics (extractions); Surgical extractions; Miscellaneous (e.g. control of haemorrhage); Endodontics (root canal therapy); Apicectomy (amputation of roots); Protracted periodontal (gum) treatment; Radiographs; Prosthetics (dentures). These treatments are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Some are available on demand, for example, all medical card holders may avail of specific dental treatments e.g., a dental examination, two fillings in each calendar year, extractions, as necessary.
The remaining care provision is subject to the prior approval of a dental surgeon in the HSE, who prioritises for high risk and exceptional patients; those requiring emergency care and patients considered to have greater clinical urgency and/or necessity in receiving care.
Prior to the Budget 2010 decision to limit expenditure under the DTSS more of these treatments were available on demand without prior approval. The National Oral Health Policy, "Smile agus Sláinte", which was published in 2019 sets out the framework for new treatment pathways. Officials in my Department are currently engaging with the dental profession on aligning services available under the DTSS with the ethos of the new policy.
