Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to address the issue of participation of dentists in the dental treatment services scheme. The scheme provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services are provided by private dentists and clinical dental technicians who hold a contract with the HSE to operate the scheme. Services available annually and on demand include an examination, two fillings, emergency extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as dentures and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs and high-risk patients, is available subject to the approval of the local HSE principal dental surgeon.

To support contractors to provide care under the scheme, an additional €10 million was made available in budget 2022 to increase the preventative care available and increase by 40% to 60% from May 2022 the fees paid to contractors for most treatment items. The HSE advises that while the total number of contractors on the scheme has been reduced from 1,046 as of the end of December 2022 to 813 as of the end of December 2024, the introduction of these measures has improved access to care for patients. In 2024, 227,691 additional treatments were provided nationally under the scheme, with more than 44,208 extra patients treated when compared with 2022. The Minister acknowledges, however, that access issues remain and that complete modernisation of care, the service model and, subsequently, contractual arrangements for adult medical card holders is required. I understand where the Deputy is coming from. There are huge challenges. I see the same in the area where I live.

The vision for this service reform is set out in the national oral health policy. Budget 2025 allocated €2 million for this year, increasing to €4 million in 2026, to continue the implementation of the national oral health policy.

The programme for Government and the HSE’s national service plan for 2025 both contain commitments to implementing the national oral health policy and reforming oral healthcare services for medical card holders. The plan for the first phase of policy implementation, up to the end of 2027, is being finalised by the Department of Health and the HSE, following targeted consultation in quarter 3 of last year. The plan includes reform of services for medical card holders as one of several priority actions. I understand it is a priority.

The policy also highlights the need for strategic workforce planning to ensure a sufficient number of appropriately trained oral healthcare professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental nurses and other auxiliary grades. It is heartening to note we have more registered dentists in Ireland than ever before – 3,778 as of January 2025, which means an additional 129 registered dentists since February 2024. To increase this number further, the Minister supports the creation of additional capacity in higher education, including in oral healthcare. That is so important and I really feel it will make the change. Any investment must be considered by the relevant Department in the context of the ongoing national development plan review, given the significant capital costs involved in expansion.

Substantial modernisation of the service and contractual model, in tandem with increasing workforce capacity, will train and enable more dentists to take contracts to care for medical card holders.

See this speech in context