PRSI entitlements: All you need to know
September 6th, 2019
PRSI entitlements often go unused as many people do not realise that they may be able to receive free or discounted dental treatment under the Government scheme
PRSI entitlements are part of a benefit scheme introduced by the Government for all people who pay PRSI. The Irish Times reported recently that hundreds of thousands of Irish taxpayers are not taking advantage of this initiative which offers free or discounted dental, optical and hearing care.
But what is the scheme and what exactly are you entitled to? We have the answers to all your questions.
What are ‘PRSI entitlements’?
The Treatment Benefit Scheme is an initiative of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and provides dental, optical and aural services to people who qualify.
Who is eligible for PRSI entitlements?
The scheme is open to insured employees who contribute pay-related social insurance (PRSI), as well as the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of contributions.
Am I entitled to receive these benefits?
Approximately two and half million people in Ireland pay PRSI which means they may qualify under this scheme. If you are an employee of a company or self-employed you are very likely to be eligible.
Is Dental Care Ireland part of this scheme?
Yes, Dental Care Ireland is part of this scheme. Find the Dental Care Ireland practice nearest to you. Our partner practice in Ballsbridge, Northumberland Dental Care, which caters for people living and/or working in Dublin 2 and Dublin 4, is also part of the scheme.
How do I find out if I qualify for Dental Care Ireland’s offer under the scheme?
Contact the practice closest to you directly by phone or email and they will check if you are eligible. If in Dublin 2 or Dublin 4, contact Northumberland Dental Care on +35316688441 and they will be able to see if you can avail of the service.
What do I get with Dental Care Ireland if I’m eligible?
There are various dental entitlements for both employed and self-employed PRSI payers: a full dental exam, a subsidised scale and polish (capped cost of €15) or a part-subsidised “protracted periodontal treatment”, which is a deeper type of cleaning.
What does an ‘Exam, Scale & Polish’ entail?
During an examination, your dentist will assess the state of your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks and the floor and roof of your mouth. They will look at the work you have had done in the past and let you know what might need done in the future.
During the ‘scale’ part, your dentist will scrape away any plaque or tartar that may have built up in your mouth. They will then ‘polish’ your teeth which removes stains and blemishes on your teeth, leaving them smoother and whiter.
How do I book in for a check-up with Dental Care Ireland?
As mentioned above, the first thing to do is to contact your local practice to see if you are entitled to the benefits. Our receptionists will be happy to check for you, though you will have to give them consent to check using your PPS number and date of birth.
Why is a check-up important?
Getting regular dental exams is crucial for preventing serious problems occurring in the future. Your dentist will be able to see what is happening and advise you on how to avoid bigger issues.
Regular cleaning by a dentist or hygienist helps to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria, which contributes to cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
How often can I claim these entitlements?
These are available just one time in each calendar year, so you may claim it between January 1st and December 31st each year (but not once every 12 months).
What other benefits apart from dental are there?
Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, you may qualify for optical benefits and hearing aids as well as a free dental check-up and the ‘Exam, Scale and Polish’ for €15.
Can I book online for dental treatments at your practices?
Yes. You will find a list of all our practices and their contact details here: www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/
To make it easier for you, the following Dental Care Ireland practices currently offer examination services:
Examination (Check-up) Ashbourne
Examination (Check-up) Cabinteely
Examination (Check-up) Callan Dental
Examination (Check-up) Castlebar
Examination (Check-up) Claregalway
Examination (Check-up) Greystones
Examination (Check-up) Knocklyon
Examination (Check-up) Tuam Dental
and
Examination (Check-up) Tullamore.
If in Dublin 2 or Dublin 4, you can book with our partner practice Northumberland Dental Care.
To find out more about our Dental Care Ireland, visit our website here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/
