Unauthorised dental fees in Mayo
Dr. Browne asked about Mayo patients being charged for extractions and action against the dentists. The Minister said patients unable to obtain treatment locally may receive it free from another panel dentist, with necessary travel expenses allowed; the response is cut off while addressing complaints against dentists.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position of insured persons in County Mayo who are unable to avail of extractions under the dental benefit scheme without charge because of the unauthorised charging of fees to patients by dentists in the scheme.
54.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will take action against those dentists who have charged unauthorised fees to insured persons in County Mayo for extractions under the dental benefit scheme.
Comment on this
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.
Insured persons in County Mayo who are qualified for dental treatment under the dental benefit scheme administered by my Department and who are unable to obtain such treatment, including extractions, in their own area may be allowed any travelling or other expenses necessarily incurred in going to a convenient local centre where such treatment is available to them from another dentist on the dental panel, free of charge.
A number of dentists in County Mayo against whom complaints were made have recently been removed from the panel of dentists authorised to participate in the dental benefit scheme for failing to comply with the terms of their agreements.