Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1439. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the provisions being made within his Department in regard to an updated and appropriate dental treatment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33288/21]
View answer1631. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the crisis in the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34523/21]
View answer1889. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that many persons have in trying to access dental treatment given that a large number of independent dental practices have withdrawn from the dental treatment scheme in County Wicklow over the past number of years; if the HSE is currently in discussions with independent dental practices in order to get more practices to sign up to the scheme; if progress has been made in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35712/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1439, 1631 and 1889 together.
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 independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Patients may choose to have their treatment undertaken by any dentist who participates in the Scheme.
I am aware that there has been a reduction in the numbers of dentists participating in the DTSS since the beginning of the current COVID-19 pandemic and that some patients are experiencing delays in accessing care due to a backlog of treatment during lockdown, along with a reduction in capacity in dental practices since the introduction of Covid-19 Infection Prevention Controls.
For dentists opting to leave the Scheme, I would expect due process to be followed, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice. I would 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. I have been assured by the HSE that their local services on the ground will assist any persons who are experiencing problems in accessing a service.
The national approach to future oral health service provision will be informed by Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, which was published in 2019. The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.
I am committed to ensuring the sustainability and viability of the DTSS, which will need to be revised to align it with modern evidence and with the National Oral Health Policy. There was an intention to commence a review of the DTSS contract last year. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this was not possible.
Officials in my Department and from the HSE are currently engaging with the Irish Dental Association on matters relating to the provision of services under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.
