We get a lot of enquiries about how the dental scheme works for patients who are covered for treatment on their PRSI numbers and it appears there is still a lot of confusion about this issue. So, by way of explanation, I will run through how it works.
You are eligible for one free dental examination a year. Some patients may require two examinations a year and, in rare instances, three examinations a year. This may be the case in a patient who has a high tooth decay rate or someone with lots of crowns, bridges or implants that need to be monitored frequently. If this is the case, there is a charge for the other examinations within that year, but the annual examination is free. Any x-rays taken during the annual examinations are free.
Most treatment carried out as emergency care are covered on PRSI. However, x-rays taken for the emergency appointment may not be.
The biggest point of confusion regarding the scheme centres around the provision of scaling and polishing procedures (professional cleanings). The Social Welfare dept. allows patients to have two free cleanings a year. However, this is where there is minimal gum disease and ‘pocketing’ around the gums of under 3.5mm. Where the pocketing is over 3.5mm, there is no PRSI cover for professional cleaning. At our practice, the dental hygienist then provides a professional cleaning on a private basis.
Regarding fillings and other treatments, the fees are normal private fees with a certain amount taken off. For fillings it is usually about E35 off the private fee. Root fillings are about E85 off the private fee. There is a fee of about E15 for large ‘panoramic’ x-rays taken. Crowns are about E35 off the private fee. All reductions due to the PRSI cover are taken off at the practice, so you do not receive any money from the social welfare as a rebate through the post. If there is any confusion about the fees always ask and we will do our best to explain. All patients get a printed estimate of what the fees are after their first appointment to avoid any confusion so please make sure you have one if one is not given to you.
Hopefully, this helps clear up the confusion on this issue.
Tags: PRSI Dental Care
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Dear remirrake,
many thanks for looking at the site and your comments. The whole aim of the site and the blog is to provide as much information to our patients as possible so you are fully aware of how we work and what is possible regarding your dental care.
Your informations has been very useful for me. I hope you can post any more info about this soon.
Many thanks for your comments. We will update the PRSI section when new information needs to be added. I’m glad you are finding it useful.
Hi there,
the PRSI post seems to clarify the issues foe everyone. Thanks for checking the blog. It will be updated again soon!