The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, emergency extractions, and a scale and polish. Since May 1st 2022, there has been additional prevention treatments included and a 40-60% increase in fees across most treatment items. More complex care, such as dentures, is also available. Patients with additional needs can access a broader range of treatments.
The DTSS is a “choice of dentist” scheme which does not require the patient to register with a particular dentist and enables medical card holders, including those with additional needs, to attend any DTSS contractor directly without recourse to the HSE. Where access to a dentist is difficult, local HSE services assist patients who make enquires and make lists of DTSS contractors available to medical card holders. In exceptional circumstances, the HSE directly assists patients to access emergency dental treatment by contacting private contractors or arranging treatment through HSE-employed dentists.
Adults with additional needs who cannot receive care in a general dental practice setting may need special care services provided via the HSE Public Dental Services. A general dental practitioner or a GP can refer a patient to the HSE for receipt of special care services. A patient or caregiver can also make contact with the HSE directly. These patients who have additional needs are given an oral health examination and have their treatment provided using additional supports where necessary. Supports to care include Relative Analgesia, IV sedation and Dental General Anaesthetic.
I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly with the service-related information sought.
