Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
686. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation being reported in County Wexford in which no dentists are accepting new patients with medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26479/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
The HSE will assist anyone who is still experiencing problems accessing a service.
