67. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Health if the Dublin Dental University Hospital has changed its policy on accepting patients without a referral letter; if the hospital now conducts its assessments with a view to determining the suitability of patients for teaching needs as opposed to the patient's needs; if so, the reason for this change in policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9250/16]

The Dublin Dental University Hospital accepts referrals from GPs, General Dental Practitioners and other hospitals for secondary, specialist or tertiary care. Primary care can be via self-referral from a potential patient. There has been no change in policy in this regard.