Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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383. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when persons with PRSI contributions will be entitled to avail of the previously announced free dental scale and polish treatments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44584/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to confirm that the changes to the dental benefit scheme will come into effect from 28 October 2017.

From that date the dental benefit scheme will provide for a payment towards either a scale and polish or, if clinically necessary, protracted periodontal treatment; in addition to the existing free dental exam. If the normal fee charged by the individual dental clinic for a scale and polish is €42 or less, the treatment will be free to the customer. However, if the normal fee is over €42, the customer will pay the balance up to a maximum amount of €15. The Department will make a payment of €42 in relation to protracted periodontal treatment, with the customer responsible for the balance of any fee over this amount. The dental exam and treatments outlined above will be available once per calendar year.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.