The HSE provides Dental Services to children up to sixteen, to Medical Card holders and to EU residents for emergency treatment. Some services are provided by dentists employed by the HSE and some by private dentists.

What Dental Services are available for children?
Children attending primary schools can be referred for Dental Treatment from a child health service or following a routine school visit. Children attending primary school are screened in 2nd, 4th and 6th class and are referred for treatment if necessary to the local dental clinic. Emergency services are also available to all school going children.

What Dental Services are provided for Medical Card holders?
Medical Card holders can get a list of participating Private Dental Practitioners from their Local Health Office or HSE Dental Clinic. Once the dentist has
accepted you as a patient you must bring your medical card with you when attending on your first visit. The following treatments are available with a
Medical Card: Fillings, Cleaning/polishing, Extractions, Dentures and Root Canal Treatment.

What if my child needs braces?
If necessary some children are referred onto their Orthodontic Clinic for further treatment. This referral is from the Principal Dental Surgeon in the health
centre and Orthodontic Treatment is free.

Can I get tax relief on dental expenses?
If you do not have a medical card and have to pay for dental services from a private practitioner, you may claim tax relief for certain specialised dental
treatments. The form is called Med 2 and can be obtained from the Tax Office.

Can my PRSI help pay for dental treatment?
Treatment Benefit is a scheme in Ireland operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Under this scheme, contributions made by people through
PRSI can be accessed to repay some of the cost of dental treatment. Ask your Dentist for more information.

To learn more about Dental Services in your area, contact your Local Health Office. You can also call the HSE infoline: 1850 24 1850, for more information.