Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
190. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if any obligation exists on dentists to inform patients that they no longer provide dental services to medical card holders prior to scheduling appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25045/22]
View answerThe 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. Dentists must give three months' notice of withdrawal from the Scheme. I expect dentists to continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients, including during their notice period, to provide a service or to ensure that patients are referred to another dentist who will provide a service.
Dentists operating outside the DTSS who charge patients for treatment are required to provide patients with an estimate of the cost of treatment options and get patients' agreement before treatment commences, in accordance with the Dental Council’s Code of Practice on 'Professional Behaviour and Ethical Conduct’.
