PRSI Dental Benefits
Under this scheme, the Department pays the full cost of an oral examination once a calendar year.
A payment of €42 towards either a scale and polish or – if clinically necessary – periodontal treatment, is also available once a calendar year. If the cost of either cleaning or periodontal treatment is more than €42, you must pay the balance. There is no cap on the balance charged for periodontal treatment.
Treatment is provided by private dentists who are on the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s panel. Lists of dentists on the panel are available on welfare.ie. Most dentists are on the panel, so you should not have any difficulty finding one. The dentist will be able to check your eligibility and make a claim for you. The claim form will require details such as your Personal Public Service Number (PPS number), date of birth and signature. If you are a dependent spouse or civil partner, you should give the PPS number of the insured person, who will also be required to sign the claim form.
There is more information on the Citizens Information website – Treatment Benefit Scheme
What benefits am I entitled to?
A patient who is eligible, according to the Department of Social Welfare, will be entitled to one dental examination and scale and polish visit in a calender year. The patient must pay a balance fee to supplement the department’s contribution to the overall fee, as outlined below.
Basic Scale & Polish, Including Free Dental examination – €30
***Some patients may require more advanced dental cleaning, and may need to visit our dental hygienist for further treatment.
Medical Card Dental Benefits
Adults (over 16 years of age) who have a valid medical card can access a range of dental services and treatments under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme.
All medical card holders are entitled to specific dental treatments e.g., a dental examination, two fillings in each calendar year, extractions as necessary.
Some treatments such as the provision of dentures require the approval of the HSE before the dentist can proceed and in this case, the dentist applies directly to the HSE.
Additional treatments for example, teeth cleaning are available to those persons with specific medical conditions and again, your dentist will be able to advise you of your entitlement if this is the case. The HSE dental section may require written documentation outlining your medical condition and/or medications from your G.P. or other relevant medical person.
There is more information on the HSE website – HSE Dental Services and Treatment