Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 69: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will reverse the cutbacks to the dental treatment services scheme and the dental treatment benefit scheme in view of the hardship caused to patients and the adverse consequences for dental health and for the dental profession, including the closure of practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34710/10]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 72: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will restore preventive dental care to medical card patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34686/10]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 241: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding dental charges for medical card holders; the entitlements to dental services for medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35090/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 69, 72 and 241 together.

The Government's decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. There are no plans to reverse these changes. Under the new measures the range of treatments available are being prioritised. Other than emergency care, the remaining care provision is subject to prior approval by a clinician in the HSE, who will prioritise for:

High risk and exceptional patients,

Those requiring emergency care, and

Patients who are considered to have greater clinical urgency and/or necessity in receiving care.

The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective and will continue to engage with dental professionals to ensure clarity and consistency in implementing these changes. The dental and oral health services currently provided through the HSE Public Dental Service for high risk groups will not be affected by these changes to the DTSS. There are no charges for treatment provided under the DTSS, except for the prescription charge of 50c per item supplied by a community pharmacist on the prescription of a dentist. This charge was introduced on 1st October 2010 and is subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family.