Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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200. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding medical card holders attending dental appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24587/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. The DTSS contract has not expired and is operated by approximately 1,400 private dentists throughout the country. After an interruption to services caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has worked with the dental profession and in particular the Dental Council, to provide revised guidance to enable the resumption of the safe provision of routine care.

I understand that a small number of dentists have withdrawn from the DTSS. I expect due process to be followed in respect of any withdrawal from the terms of a DTSS contract, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice. I also expect dentists to continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period, to either provide a service or to ensure that patients are referred to another dentist who will provide a service. The HSE will assist medical card holders in accessing such treatment, if required.