Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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3120. To ask the Minister for Health when the latest review of the dental treatment services scheme took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40341/21]

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. The contract is in place since 1994.

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 committed to ensuring the sustainability and viability of the DTSS, which will need to be revised to align it with modern evidence and the aims of the new Policy. There was an intention to commence a review of the DTSS contract last year. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this was not possible. Officials in my Department and from the HSE are currently engaging with the Irish Dental Association on matters relating to the provision of services under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.