Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1689. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce non-routine dental benefit for medical card holders that are also on a disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18674/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Dental services for adult medical card holders are provided under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) by independent dentists who have a contract with the HSE. Services currently available annually, without prior approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon, include an examination, two fillings and emergency extractions. Other more complex care is also provided, some of which requires prior approval of a Principal Dental Surgeon.

Patients with special needs and high-risk patients can avail of a broader range of treatments, including a scale and polish, additional fillings and protracted periodontal (gum) treatment on approval of a Principal Dental Surgeon.

Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, published in April 2019, sets out the new model of care delivery for dental services. It includes proposals for the introduction of packages of oral healthcare for adult medical card holders at different intervals during their life course. HSE community oral healthcare services will provide services to vulnerable people referred from their local dentist for episodic care. However, in some cases – such as for people with moderate to profound disabilities – services may be provided long term by community oral healthcare services. The timeframe for the delivery of the Policy is until 2026.