Qualification for Dental Benefit

The Department of Social and Family Affairs Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme applies to employees who make PRSI contributions. They (and their spouses, depending on income) are entitled to receive fully or partially subsidised dental care for a limited range of treatments.

However to qualify, certain PRSI conditions must be met.

· If you are under 21, you must have paid a minimum of 39 weeks PRSI since starting work.

· If you are aged between 21 and 24, you must have paid a minimum of 39 weeks PRSI since starting work and 39 weeks paid or credited PRSI in the tax year on which your claim is based. (This can be the same 39 weeks.)

· If you are aged between 25 and 65, you must have paid 260 weeks PRSI since starting work and 39 weeks paid or credited PRSI in the tax year on which the claim is based. (This 39 weeks can be within the 260 weeks, it is not on top of the 260 weeks.)

If these conditions are met, examinations, diagnosis and x-ray investigations are free to the patient once every 12 months, and a simple cleaning every six months. (The dentist reclaims the full fixed cost from the Department of Social and Family Affairs). Other standard treatments have a set fee, or a fee determined by a set formula, and the patient pays a specified portion. These fees are displayed on the waiting room notice board.

For more expensive treatment such as prolonged peridontal (gum) treatment, and for patients earning in excess of €60K p.a., the Department of Social and Family Affairs pays a set amount, while the patient pays the remainder.

When attending for the first time at this practice, and seeking treatment under the Dental Treatment Scheme, it is our policy to carry out only an initial examination and submit the claim for approval to the Department. Our normal examination fee applies and is refunded if qualification is confirmed in writing by the Department. Any treatment carried out prior to the receipt by this practice of written confirmation of qualification under the scheme is charged for at our usual Private Fee rate. If qualified an appropriate refund is made.






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		Qualification for Dental Benefit



		The Department of Social and Family Affairs Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme applies to employees who make PRSI contributions. They (and their spouses, depending on income) are entitled to receive fully or partially subsidised dental care for a limited range of treatments. However to qualify, certain PRSI conditions must be met. · If you are under 21, you must have paid a minimum of 39 weeks PRSI since starting work. · If you are aged between 21 and 24, you must have paid a minimum of 39 weeks PRSI since starting work and 39 weeks paid or credited PRSI in the tax year on which your claim is based. (This can be the same 39 weeks.) · If you are aged between 25 and 65, you must have paid 260 weeks PRSI since starting work and 39 weeks paid or credited PRSI in the tax year on which the claim is based. (This 39 weeks can be within the 260 weeks, it is not on top of the 260 weeks.) If these conditions are met, examinations, diagnosis and x-ray investigations are free to the patient once every 12 months, and a simple cleaning every six months. (The dentist reclaims the full fixed cost from the Department of Social and Family Affairs). Other standard treatments have a set fee, or a fee determined by a set formula, and the patient pays a specified portion. These fees are displayed on the waiting room notice board. For more expensive treatment such as prolonged peridontal (gum) treatment, and for patients earning in excess of €60K p.a., the Department of Social and Family Affairs pays a set amount, while the patient pays the remainder. When attending for the first time at this practice, and seeking treatment under the Dental Treatment Scheme, it is our policy to carry out only an initial examination and submit the claim for approval to the Department. Our normal examination fee applies and is refunded if qualification is confirmed in writing by the Department. Any treatment carried out prior to the receipt by this practice of written confirmation of qualification under the scheme is charged for at our usual Private Fee rate. If qualified an appropriate refund is made.