Who
Medical card holders aged 16+
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
- Cleaning
- 1 scale and polish per calendar year
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.
- One dental clean (scale and polish). Any extra cleaning must be approved by the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon. If you have special needs or are in a high risk group, such as diabetes or cancer treatment, you may get it every 6 months, with that approval.
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.
How to get free dental treatment with a medical card
Check you qualify
You need a medical card and to be 16 or over.
Know where the dentists are
Scheme dentists work in primary care centres in your area, or are private dentists with HSE contracts.
Check the dentist takes part in DTSS
Look for a dentist listed as taking part in the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.
Book your free yearly check-up
You get a free exam each calendar year, and any extractions you need.
Ask about treatments that need approval
Other treatments, including dentures, must be approved first by the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon.
Speak to your dentist if unhappy
If you are not happy with your HSE dental treatment, talk to your dentist first.
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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