Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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958. To ask the Minister for Health if surgical dental extractions are covered under the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7411/21]

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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959. To ask the Minister for Health if financial support or reimbursement is available to medical card holders referred to private dental surgeons for surgical dental extractions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7412/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 958 and 959 together.

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.

Surgical extractions are provided under the DTSS. The DTSS does not provide for payment for treatments by dentists who do not participate in the Scheme. Where a surgical extraction cannot be provided by a contracted dentist, the dentist may arrange a referral to an acute hospital.