Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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606. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some dentists are refusing to accept medical cards and patients have been forced to pay in emergency circumstances; the options the medical cardholder has to get the money refunded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31217/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides a range of dental treatments free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by over 1,400 independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE.  There is no provision in the DTSS contract for dental practitioners to charge patients for contracted dental care. If this occurs the patient should report it to the HSE.

I understand that since March this year approximately 155 contractors have withdrawn from the Scheme and that there are about 50 new applications. I 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 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. The HSE will assist medical card holders in accessing such treatment, if required.