Dentists brand scheme as outdated
The Health Minister has asked for proposals to be brought forward to address the immediate concerns of a number of dentists.
It comes as the Irish Dental Association (IDA) said that dental treatment for medical card holders in Cork is in “complete chaos”.
The IDA warned that there was an unprecedented number of dentists withdrawing from what it called an “outdated” Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) which it said is having serious repercussions for patients nationwide.
Dr Kieran O’Connor, Vice-Chair of the GP Committee of the IDA, said that the fall in funding and participating dentists was hugely damaging for patients in Cork.
Because of the drop-off in funding and dentists’ participation, he said that medical card patients in Cork were now faced with delays while seeking treatment, increased travel times while seeking that treatment, and a possible reliance on the already underfunded public dental service to provide care in areas where DTSS contracts are not in place.
Figures from the IDA seen by the Cork Independent revealed that Cork North Lee saw an eight per cent fall in in participating dentists from March 2017 compared to January 2021. Cork South Lee saw a four per cent drop and North Cork fell by 21 per cent. West Cork saw no change.
Figures also showed a drop in funding across the four local health office areas in Cork when comparing December 2017 to December 2020. Cork North Lee by 22 per cent, Cork South Lee by 20 per cent, North Cork by ten per cent and West Cork by 21 per cent.
Dr O’Connor said: “We have sought to engage with the Department of Health to modify this scheme over many years to no avail. Increasingly, our members believe that the refusal to acknowledge this reality and the general approach of the Department of Health suggests a level of disrespect, if not contempt, for medical card patients and the dentists contracted to care for them in Cork.
“It also shows scant regard or understanding of the impact of this crisis on vulnerable patients who are unable to afford access to vital dental care.”
Dr O’Connor also said that significant extra costs being incurred by general dental practices during Covid-19 are making the existing DTSS contracted service unviable.
A statement to the Cork Independent from the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD: “I met with representatives of the dental profession towards the end of last year when I had an opportunity to hear first-hand the challenges which they face under Covid-19 and the enormous efforts of their members in continuing to provide services in the current environment.”
He continued: “I accept that the profession has concerns about the current contract, which dates back to the nineties, and that that one of those concerns relates to the fee structure under the DTSS.
“I want to ensure the sustainability and viability of that contract going forward and that all eligible persons can continue to receive the services that they deserve from their local dentists.
“I have asked my officials and the HSE to bring forward proposals to address those immediate concerns. In the longer term, my commitment to the profession and to the public is for a fundamental review of the contract, in keeping with Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy,” Minister Donnelly concluded.