Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2022
173. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the lack of availability of dentists who treat medical card patients in counties Kildare and Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26587/22]
View answerI am aware that a significant number of dentists chose to leave the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) during the pandemic and that this led to some medical card patients having difficulties accessing treatment under the Scheme. Following consultation with the Irish Dental Association, I have approved new measures to provide for both expanded dental health care for medical card holders and increased fees for dental contractors.
The changes to the Scheme, which came into effect at the beginning of this month, are interim measures designed to secure services for medical card holders pending a more substantive reform of dental services to align with the National Oral Health Policy. Work on that longer-term project has already commenced and it is estimated that it will take 1-2 years to complete.
The HSE will assist anyone who is still experiencing problems accessing a service.
