Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2014
429. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the decline in the number of persons attending consultations with dentists and in those receiving basic dental treatment, particularly since drastic cuts were applied to the dental treatment benefit scheme and the dental treatment services scheme in 2010. [44253/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme is a matter for my colleague Ms Joan Burton TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection.
Funding for the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was capped in 2010 at the 2008 level of €63 million. However, total spending on the DTSS amounted to €79 million in 2010 reflecting legacy issues. Spending in subsequent years was as follows: €53 million in 2011; €63 million in 2012 and €70 million in 2013. The budget for 2014 was increased to €75 million to take account of the increase in the uptake of services. Percentage uptake of those eligible was 26.66% in 2011, 27.84% in 2012 and 30.49% in 2013 and 29.86% to November 2014.
The HSE prioritises for treatment patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs and will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources.
The HSE introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for patients eligible for DTSS in November 2011. This is linked with prior approval of claims for treatment such as endodontics. This has enabled increased uptake of such treatments.
