Dentists condemn medical card move

DENTISTS have condemned the Health Service Executive’s decision to reduce the medical card scheme to one that only provides limited emergency cover.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) said the move meant that medical card holders would be denied a range of routine free treatments, including fillings and extractions as well as dentures and treatment of gum disease.

In a circular sent to dentists the HSE said it would only provide emergency dental care to eligible patients with a focus on relief of pain and sepsis.