Irish dentists urge health officials to evaluate cuts
Irish dentists are appealing to the Health Service Executive to evaluate the impact of dental scheme cuts.
In January cuts were made to the PRSI and Medical Card schemes, affecting thousands of people. Medical card holders used to be entitled to free routine dental care; however, the HSE announced that cuts would be made and patients are now only entitled to treatment for emergency dental problems.
PRSI scheme participants used to pay monthly contributions which entitled them to reduced rate general dental treatments and free check-ups; however, cuts have ended access to reduced rate care and patients are now only entitled to a limited number of free check-ups.
The Irish Dental Association reacted angrily to the cuts and has been campaigning against them for months; some dentists have even taken the Health Service Executive to court. Representatives from the HSE claimed that the cuts would have a negative effect on the oral health of the nation, as people would start to visit their dentist less frequently to save money.
Chief executive of the IDA, Fintan Hourihan, urged the HSE to reconsider the cuts and called for them to listen to their own manifesto, which pledged to support the most vulnerable people. According to Hourihan, the cuts will have an extremely negative impact on standards of oral health in the future.
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It is terrible that benefits are being cut, however, it is the individual’s responsibilty to take care of themselves. It is that simple.