Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
493. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the full-year cost of providing two oral dentist examinations as opposed to one, in one calendar year, under the treatment benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42617/24]
View answerThe Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical, aural and hair replacement products and services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
The Department pays a fee to dentists providing an oral examination once per calendar year for each qualified customer. A payment of €40 is provided for an oral examination to dentists registered on the Department’s panel.
In 2023, €59.8 million was paid in respect of 1.6 million treatments, of which over 800,000 were oral examinations, eligible under the Dental Benefit Treatment Benefit Scheme.
If the policy was changed to allow two oral dental examinations in one calendar year, based on the 2023 data, it would cost an additional €32 million. This is based on every person who availed of an oral examination in 2023,availing of a further exam in the year. A number of other factors would have to be considered before changes to the scheme could be contemplated.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
