Irish dentists claim for dead patients
Dentists from the Republic of Ireland have been reprimanded after they booked appointments on the behalf of hundreds of patients, some of whom are dead.
The surge of panic booking has begun because the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) has cut funding for the PRSI program, which means that around two million people will no longer have access to free or affordable dental treatments.
Bookings made before 1 January 2010 will be considered under the PRSI old rules, which allowed people to receive two free check-ups per year plus tooth cleaning.
So many conscientious dentists have been booking appointments on behalf of their patients without their knowledge, some of whom had unknowingly died, so they can continue to receive the old PRSI benefits until March 2010.
DSFA is now warning dentists that they could face sanctions if they continue to apply for treatments without a patient’s permission.
However, Irish Dental Association has been urging people to take advantage of the old scheme before the cut off date.
From January PRSI patients will only be entitled to one free dental check-up per year.
It has been estimated that €13.5million will be spent on the dental check-ups in 2010.
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