2359. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health for an update on the dental treatment service scheme contract talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32686/24]

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. The Government is committed to reforming dental services, including the DTSS, through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte. The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.

As part of ongoing engagement with the Irish Dental Association (IDA), officials from my Department met with IDA representatives most recently on Friday 12th April 2024 to facilitate the IDA to present its recent position paper and to discuss the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy. An implementation plan for the 2024-2026 phase of rollout of the Policy is being drafted by my Department and the HSE for consultation and subsequent publication in the third quarter of this year. The HSE is committed to the design and development of packages of expanded preventative care, and will consult with the profession this year on this draft design, as the first phase of reform of the DTSS.