Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
336. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health his plans to resolve the nationwide issue medical card holders are facing when trying to obtain a dentist appointment; and if the HSE will reimburse medical card holders on production of dentist receipts. [24933/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) is the national dental scheme for medical card holders over the age of 16. Services are provided by private dentists who hold a contract with the HSE. Following consultation with the Irish Dental Association, I gave approval on the 13th of April, for the implementation of new measures to provide for both expanded dental health care for medical card holders and increased fees for dental contractors in the hope that more dentists will see more medical card patients.
The changes to the Scheme came into effect from the beginning of May 2022.
These changes to the Scheme 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, and it is estimated that it will take 1-2 years to complete.
The HSE will assist anyone who is still experiencing problems accessing a service.
On the question of whether the HSE will reimburse medical card holders on production of receipts I have requested the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
