Are millions of us missing out on free dental care every year?

1.7 million free dental examinations are going unclaimed every year. Numbers recently released by the Department of Social Protection show that the vast majority of the 2 million people in Ireland entitled to a free examination under the PRSI dental benefit are not taking up the offer. In 2013 just 298,000 people availed of the opportunity for a free exam.

Peter Gannon, President of the Irish Dental Association, was on Breakfast this morning and explained to Ivan and Chris the issue appears to be that many are unaware they are entitled to the free examination, despite the scheme being open to all who pay PRSI.

“Most PAYE workers are entitled to this examination under their PRSI that they’ve paid,” Gannon said.

“This scheme was began in the 1950s and the idea was that it gave working people an opportunity access to basic dental care. Up until 2010 people were entitled to an annual oral examination, and also to get their teeth cleaned a couple of times a year and also a certain amount of money paid towards the cost of their fillings, extractions and other basic treatments.

“But the scheme was suspended in 2010 as part of the cuts the government had made at the time. The only part that’s left in this scheme now is the free dental examination but, as you say, there are approximately two million people who are entitled to this and have paid for it already.

“The best thing for people to do is rung their dental surgery in advance when they’re making an appointment’ so that the dental surgery can check if you are eligible.

“If you’re qualified and the dentist is aware of that…then you fill out a form in the surgery and the dentist posts that away," Gannon added.

Listen to the full interview with Peter Gannon via the player below or download on iTunes