Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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172. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the dental treatment services scheme; if the additional funding allocated by his Department to this scheme in the past six months has led to an increase in the number of dentists accepting medical card patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52427/22]

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. I am aware that a significant number of dentists chose to leave the Scheme during the pandemic, which led to difficulties for medical card patients in accessing dental care in some parts of the country. Following discussion with the Irish Dental Association, a €26 million package of additional investment in and expansion of the Scheme came into effect from 1st May 2022, over and above what was spent on the Scheme in 2021.

While the number of dentists submitting claims under the scheme has not yet increased, the numbers of patients being seen and the numbers of treatments being provided under the DTSS have both increased in recent months. This indicates the measures have had some positive impact on patient access to care.

However, these are interim measures and I recognise that there is a need to substantively review and reform the DTSS to align with best international evidence and practice. It is my intention that this is addressed in the context of the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, which sets out a body of substantial services reform. An unprecedented allocation of €15 million has been made in Budget 2023 to enhance the provision of oral healthcare services. On top of this €15 million allocation, resources will also be made available for new clinical leadership posts and for other supporting staff to allow substantive reform of the provision of public oral healthcare services to all ages to commence.

The HSE will assist patients who are still having difficulties accessing services and may provide emergency dental services directly to patients where necessary. I have secured an additional €5 million in Budget 2023 to help enable provision of such emergency care.