Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 884: To ask the Minister for Health if he will examine the high cost of tooth extraction and the State subvention or health insurance assistance that is paid to dentists for the procedure in view of the fact that there still remains a cost to the public of €150 as an example; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41199/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Consultation fees charged to private patients by dentists are a matter of private contract between the clinicians and the patients. While I have no role in relation to such fees, I would expect dentists to have regard to the overall economic situation in setting their fees. The Dental Council's Code of Practice published in April 2011 requires dentists to display private fees in a place where patients can view them before consultation.

Each private health insurer offers a wide range of different policies and plans. Health insurance contracts must provide a certain minimum level of cover prescribed in the relevant regulations. Currently single dental extractions are not covered as a minimum benefit for health insurance plans and therefore it is a matter for private health insurers as to what level of cover for dental treatment is provided under each plan. Private health insurance customers should be familiar with the level of cover they have under their policy and choose a policy according to their health cover needs.

Tax relief for fees charged to private patients by dentists is a matter between the patients and the Revenue Commissioners.