Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
602. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the status of the roll-out of the national oral health policy and the proposed review of the dental treatment services scheme contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45951/21]
View answer603. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the engagement that has taken place with dental practitioners and their representatives relating to the provision of services under the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45952/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 602 and 603 together.
The National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte (2019), provides a framework to transform oral health services and will broaden the care provided to the public from birth to old age. Progress is being made on the priority actions identified in the Policy in the areas within my Department's remit, including liaising with other agencies such as the Dental Council.
The roll-out of the Policy has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the proposed review of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) contract has been deferred. I am committed to the sustainability of the DTSS which provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over and which will need to be aligned with the new policy. 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 DTSS.
