Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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521. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will expand the level of dental services available in view of the concerns of dental care professionals regarding the levels of oral health (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13485/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As announced in Budget 2017, I am pleased to confirm that access to the dental and optical benefit schemes will be extended to the self-employed from March and that certain treatments will be re-introduced to the Dental and Optical schemes later this year.

The dental scheme will have an annual scale and polish treatment and protracted periodontal treatment, where this is clinically required, re-introduced from October 2017. These treatments will be made available in addition to the current annual dental examination to all qualified persons, employed and self-employed. The re-introduction of these treatments addresses the concerns of dental care professionals and will make an important contribution to improving the oral health of the adult population.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact Philip in my office.