Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the reason a person with a full medical card is not covered for essential dental work under this medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4170/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) provides access to dental treatment for adult medical card holders. The HSE prioritises for treatment patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs. A free oral examination every calendar year and free emergency dental treatment with a focus on relief of pain and sepsis are available to all eligible patients. Eligible patients can also receive two fillings, all extractions and a number of complex treatments. Prior approval from the HSE Service Area Principal Dental Surgeon is required for complex treatments. When a patient requires secondary and/or tertiary level services a treatment plan including an estimate of costs should be submitted to the Service Area Principal Dental Surgeon for prior approval. The HSE would require specific details of the individual case referred to by the Deputy in order to respond to the issue raised. If the Deputy wishes to provide me with such details I will ask the HSE to examine the matter.