A medical card is not just GP visits. If you have one and are 16 or over, the Dental Treatment Services Scheme gives you dental work free every calendar year — and most cardholders never use it, because nobody tells them it is there.
Quick facts
- Who
- Medical card holders aged 16+
- Every year
- Free exam, plus any extractions needed
- Fillings
- 2 free per calendar year
- Root canal
- One first-stage treatment a year, front teeth
What you get every calendar year
- A free dental examination, and any extractions that are needed.
- Two fillings, free. If the tooth was filled in the last 5 years, the dentist must get approval from the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon detailing why it is necessary to repeat the filling.
- One first-stage endodontic (root canal) treatment for teeth at the front of the mouth.
The words "each calendar year" matter: the allowance resets on 1 January, it does not roll over, and a check-up you skip is simply gone.
Children and special care
Dental services for children and for special care patients run separately from the DTSS, through the public dental service — a medical card is not the gateway there.
Common questions
What do I get free with a medical card?
Do I need to be over 16?
Can I use any dentist?
What if a tooth needs refilling?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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