Kilkenny TD says expanded dental services ‘will end pain and waiting time’
A Kilkenny TD has welcomed new measures to provide expanded dental healthcare services for medical card holders.
The announcement by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly clears the way for an expanded Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS). Minister Dnnelly also confirmed his commitment to review the scheme to ensure its future viability.
He approved an increase in the fees payable to contracted dentists for a number of items, including examinations and fillings, a move which should make it more appealing to practitioners. Mr Donnelly also approved the reintroduction of cleaning (scale and polish) for medical card patients.
Reacting to the news, local Fine Gael TD John Paul Phelan said: “I am delighted that the Minister has ommitted to a root-and-branch review of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. It is a positive move and will end pain and waiting time for many of our most vulnerable.
“These proposals are designed to address not only issues around services for medical card patients, but also the concerns expressed by dentists about the viability of the scheme as a whole.”
