Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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755.To ask the Minister for Health to respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); the steps he is taking to ensure that patients with chronic auto-immune disorders such as Sjögren's disease have access to appropriate and affordable dental care; his plans to reform the DTSS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25008/24]

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. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as dentures, and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs and patients with high-risk conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome are available subject to the approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon.

The Government is committed to reforming oral healthcare services, including the DTSS, through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte. The Policy sets out a new model of oral healthcare delivery, moving from episodic care to a life course approach. The policy will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs. It is intended that patients with high risk conditions will be provided with additional oral healthcare packages and prioritised for suitable advanced care.

The HSE's Strategic Reform Lead is driving policy implementation across the organisation and moving forward with developing new services in line with the Policy. An implementation plan for the first phase of rollout is being developed between my Department and the HSE, for consultation and then publication in the third quarter of this year.