This section will be updated for any new developments or news concerning Blackrock Dental Surgery or dentistry in general.
Next Saturday Opening (10am-4.30pm)——–Saturday 16th June 2012.
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Government Slashes Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme and Dental Medical Card Scheme in Budget
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Changes to Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (PRSI Scheme)
The 2009 Budget has practically abolished the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme operated by the Dept of Social and Family Affairs. This scheme is paid for by workers PRSI contributions. In county Louth 45,900 people are eligible for treatment under this scheme. In 2008, the Scheme enabled approximately 1.5 million dental treatments to be provided on a State supported basis to eligible patients, including attendance by an estimated 400,000 patients for examination. Workers on the average industrial wage contribute €20 per week in PRSI contributions while higher earners contribute up to €53 per week towards their dental and other welfare benefits.
As of 1st January 2010 the only remaining item of treatment allowed through this scheme is one dental examination per year.
Changes to Medical Card Scheme
Brian Lenihan also revealed that the 2010 annual budget for dental treatment to medical card holders will be cut back to 2008 levels. Given the huge increase in the number of people now entitled to medical cards, this equates to a 30% cut in funding for this scheme. The HSE have informed dentists on the 26th April by a circular that the medical card scheme will no longer cover routine treatment and will be a limited emergency service only. According to this circular all cleaning and periodontal treatments have been discontinued unless there is an underlying medical problem. Fillings and extractions can only be done where there is pain or infection and fillings are limited to two per year. Dentures can only approved in emergency circumstances but these have not been defined.
click this link to view treatments now covered under medical card
This decision has been made with absolutely no consultation with dentists and against the advice of the dentists who administer the scheme for the HSE. These cuts will have a hugely detrimental impact on the dental health of medical card holders who cannot afford to pay for treatment.
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It is clear from both these decisions that the government is relinquishing it’s responsibility to support dental services in Ireland for both the poor and low paid and for those that have been making, and continue to make PRSI contributions.
If these decisions affect you, we would urge you to contact your local T.D.s and voice your opposition to cuts in your dental benefits.
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SWINE FLU
We would ask patients with flu-like symptoms to cancel any appointments for routine treatment. If emergency treatment cannot be delayed due to acute pain or abscess, we will arrange an appointment at a time which will reduce the risk of spread of infection to other patients.
If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:
- unusual tiredness,
- headache,
- runny nose,
- sore throat,
- shortness of breath or cough,
- loss of appetite,
- aching muscles,
- diarrhoea or vomiting.
At Blackrock Dental Surgery we have strict cross infection control protocols in accordance with best practise guidelines. In addition to these, we have provided tissues and lined bins for disposal of used tissues in the waiting area and would ask patients to wash their hands with alcohol rub provided in the reception area.
For latest information and advice on swine flu check HSE website on link below.
