I am concerned about reports that some medical card holders have been refused access to treatment by a small number of dentists who hold Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) contracts, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in May which enabled the return to routine care.
My Department has received reassurance from the HSE that any patients who have been refused care in a DTSS contracted service have been accommodated either in an alternative DTSS practice and/or directly by the HSE.
I would expect due process to be followed in respect of any withdrawal from the terms of a DTSS contract, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice. I would also expect dentists to continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period, to either provide a service or to ensure that patients are referred to another dentist who will provide a service.