Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
261. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the crisis due to the lack of availability of dentists in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52346/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. I am aware that a significant number of dentists chose to leave the Scheme during the pandemic, which led to difficulties for medical card patients in accessing dental care in some parts of the country, including in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly. The numbers of patients being seen and the numbers of treatments being provided under the DTSS have both increased in recent months following a €26 million package of additional investment in and expansion of the Scheme from 1st May 2022, over and above what was spent on the Scheme in 2021.
The HSE will assist patients who are still having difficulties accessing services and may provide emergency dental services directly to patients where necessary. I have also secured an additional €5 million in Budget 2023 to help enable provision of such emergency care.
I recognise that there is a need to substantively review and reform the DTSS to align with best international evidence and practice. It is my intention that this is addressed in the context of the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, which sets out a body of substantial services reform. Work is underway on a governance framework for this root and branch service reform.
