Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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504. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to situations in which dental practices are no longer providing treatments to patients under the medical card scheme; the action he is taking to address the situation in view of the significant financial pressure this is placing on medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42946/20]

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 over 1,400 independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. I understand that since the beginning of March, 174 dentists have withdrawn from the DTSS and that 58 new applications are being processed. This is within the normal range of fluctuations of dentists participating in the Scheme in recent years.

Patients may choose to have their treatment undertaken by any dentist who participates in the Scheme. The HSE will assist medical card holders in accessing such treatment if required.

While the interruption to services caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic had led to some delays in the provision of non-emergency care, activity levels have been returning to normal in recent months.

My Department has been engaging with dentists and with the HSE throughout the pandemic and is preparing for further engagement on any additional measures to support the oral health of the public during these difficult times.