Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
412. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if private dentists are permitted to treat the children of medical card holders between the ages of 12 and 16 years of age under the GMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35866/16]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS), which is delivered by private dentists who have contracts with the HSE, provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders aged over 16 only. Dental services for children up to 16 years of age are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE through its dental clinics. The National Oral Health Policy, which the Department of Health is currently developing, will inform future provision of dental services. This three-year project, which commenced in 2014, is being led by the Chief Dental Officer and is due to be completed early in 2017.
