Irish dentists could face closure after budget cuts
A number of dentists in Ireland could go out of business after the Health Service Executive made significant cuts to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.
Yesterday, the High Court heard how several dentists are struggling to stay in business after the medical card scheme was slashed in January. The HSE made the cuts to try and reduce government spending; however, patients and dentists have reacted angrily and a large number of dentists are appealing against the decision. The cuts have left thousands of people without access to affordable care, which was covered by their medical card prior to the budget restrictions. Now, medical card holders are entitled to free check-ups only; last year, they were granted access to reduced rate treatments.
A total of fifty six dentists are now suing the HSE for breaching their contract; two of them, Martin Reed and Dr James Turner have been granted injunctions and a further 25 dentists are expected to seek the same course of action from the courts. Eileen Barrington, who is defending the dentists, said that the 25 dentists were seeking interlocutory injunctions against the HSE because they face going out of business due to falling patient numbers. Without the financial benefits of the medical card, many patients are struggling to afford even the most basic of treatments and are consequently postponing appointments or avoiding going to the dentist altogether.
Patrick Burke, from the HSE’s primary reimbursement service, said that he was expecting an influx of applications for injunctions over the course of the next few weeks. Mark Connaughton, for the HSE, said that it was unfortunate that so many dentists were losing business but no injunctions would be necessary because their losses could be measured in damages.
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