Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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90. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the feasibility of restoring scale and polish dental treatment (details supplied) which has been discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39504/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Funding for the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS), which was capped at the 2008 level of €63 million, has increased to €75 million this year to take account of the increase in the uptake of services. The HSE prioritises for treatment patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs and will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources. The Department of Health is currently developing a new national oral health policy. The emphasis on prevention rather than intervention is a cornerstone of this policy development. The project is prioritising adults in the first instance. Consequently it will be focusing on preventive issues for this cohort.