Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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573. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has explored the costs associated with providing free dental check-ups for third-level students; if she intends providing this to students and the cost associated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22793/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The HSE Oral Healthcare Service provides oral examination and treatment identified as necessary for children at three intervals, at ages 6 to 8, 11 to 16 and, subject to capacity, 9 to 11. These ages align with second, sixth and fourth classes. Emergency care is also provided for children up to 16 years of age and for those with complex and additional needs. Medical card holders aged 16 and over are provided with oral healthcare, including an annual oral health examination, free of charge, through the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.

There are no plans to provide oral healthcare in the manner suggested by the Deputy. The cost of provision of such care would depend on a number of factors, including the underlying oral health of the relevant cohort and the level of take-up of such services.

The Government is committed to reforming oral healthcare services through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte. 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. An implementation plan for the 2025-2027 phase of rollout is being finalised by my Department and the HSE, and includes reform of services for adult medical card holders as among the initial priorities.