Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 10

Written Answers. - Dental Treatment.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

112 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the number and identity of dentists in the Wexford area who are providing the full range of dental treatment entitlements to insured workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

As part of the Irish Dental Association's continued opposition to the extension of the dental benefit scheme to dependent spouses of insured persons, the association called on its members to withdraw certain treatment items from the scheme. As a result, a number of dentists are improperly charging patients for extractions, root canal treatment and dentures.

A number of complaints have been received from patients regarding inappropriate charges by some dentists including some in County Wexford. These have been investigated by my Department and it has been confirmed that a number of the dentists are adhering to the Irish Dental Association's policy on this matter.

I am very concerned at the fact that certain dentists are refusing to provide items of treatment provided for in their contracts. I would prefer if this matter could be settled on an agreed basis. I met the association in January this year and there have been subsequent contacts at official level. Within the last month there was a meeting at official level to clarify certain details regarding dental costs supplied to me by the association.

I am empowered to remove from my Department's Dental Panel any dentist who is acting in breach of his agreement with me. I am, however, reluctant to take any such action while there is a possibility of a negotiated resolution of the dispute.

The names and addresses of dentists in the Wexford area who are participating in the extended dental benefit scheme are made available on request at local social welfare offices or by telephone to the Department's head office. It is considered that the publication of names and addresses of participating dentists would not be in the interests of claimants or of the dentists concerned.