Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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777. To ask the Minister for Health if he plans to reinstate all pre-2010 dental treatment entitlements to medical card holders; the anticipated cost per annum of such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/21]

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.  In 2010 the range of treatments provided under the Scheme was reduced in order to cap expenditure at the 2008 level of €63 million. The cost in 2021 of restoring treatments which had been provided before 2010 would depend on a number of factors, including the underlying oral health of the population and the level of take-up of such services.

The national approach to future oral health service provision will be informed by Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, which was published in 2019. The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.

I am aware of the challenges faced by the dental profession under Covid-19 and their concerns about the provision of services to eligible patients. I want to ensure the sustainability and viability of the DTSS contract and I have asked my officials and the HSE to bring forward proposals to address immediate concerns. In the longer term, my commitment to the profession and to the public is for a fundamental review of the contract, in keeping with Smile agus Sláinte.