Don’t Miss Out: Claim Your PRSI Dental Benefits Before the Year Ends! 🦷
It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of the year, but there’s still time to make the most of your PRSI dental entitlements before they expire! At Dental Care Ireland, we want to ensure that every eligible patient benefits from this valuable government-supported scheme, because once the year is over, your unused benefit is gone for good.
What Does PRSI Cover?
Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, eligible PRSI contributors can receive one free dental examination per calendar year, plus a subsidised cleaning treatment.
You can choose either:
- 🪥 A Scale and Polish: a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, keeping your smile bright and healthy.
Cost: Just €15 for eligible patients.
OR
- 🦷 A Subsidised Periodontal (Deep Cleaning) Treatment: recommended for patients with gum disease or significant tartar build-up below the gum line. This more advanced cleaning is carried out under local anaesthetic when necessary.
Your dentist will recommend which option best suits your individual oral health needs after your exam.
Please note: other treatments such as fillings or extractions are not covered under the PRSI scheme.
Who Qualifies for PRSI Dental Benefits?
The Treatment Benefit Scheme is run by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and is available to:
- Employees paying PRSI
- Self-employed individuals (including farmers and business owners)
- Retirees who have built up sufficient PRSI contributions
Your eligibility depends on how many PRSI contributions you’ve made and your age. Even if your spouse or partner doesn’t have enough contributions themselves, they may still qualify under your record so it’s always worth checking!
How to Check If You’re Eligible
Checking couldn’t be easier!
Just contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice and provide your:
- PPS Number
- Date of Birth
Our team will check your PRSI status with the Department of Social Protection and confirm one of the following:
- ✅ Approved: You’re entitled to a free exam and a cleaning for just €15.
- ⏳ Pending: Your eligibility is being reviewed and we’ll let you know once it’s confirmed.
- ❌ Not Approved: You can still book a private exam and cleaning to stay on top of your oral health.
Why You Should Claim Before It’s Too Late
Your PRSI dental benefits renew every January, and unused benefits do not carry over into the next year.
That means if you haven’t used your entitlement for 2025, you’ll lose it when the calendar resets.
Regular dental visits aren’t just about keeping your smile looking good, they help catch small issues before they become bigger, more costly problems. Using your PRSI benefit now could save you both time and money down the line.
Don’t Let Your PRSI Benefit Go to Waste
As December approaches, appointments fill up fast across our practices nationwide.
So if you haven’t booked your PRSI exam and cleaning yet, now’s the perfect time to do it!
📞 Call your local Dental Care Ireland practice today to check your eligibility and schedule your visit.
Let’s make sure your smile, and your PRSI benefit, don’t go to waste this year!
PRSI: Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Care Ireland is pleased to offer a PRSI Dental Examination, scale and polish for only €15, to all those who qualify under PRSI, including self-employed individuals. This includes small business owners, farmers, tradespeople, freelancers, contractors, and professionals.
Unsure how to claim your PRSI entitlements? No problem, we have answered your more frequently asked questions below:
Who can claim PRSI entitlements?
The Treatment Benefit Scheme is available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
To qualify, you must have paid class A, E, P, H or S social insurance (PRSI) contributions. The amount of social insurance you need depends on your age.
If your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant does not have enough social insurance contributions, he/she may still qualify for Treatment Benefit on your social insurance record. To do this, you must qualify for Treatment Benefit and your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant must be dependent on you.
For more detailed information, contact the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection on 074 91 64480, or visit www.welfare.ie
How do I check if I am eligible?
Call your local Dental Care Ireland practice, and our reception team will check your eligibility on your behalf. We will require your consent to do so, your PPSN and date of birth.
- If your claim is “approved “, you will be eligible for an PRSI Dental Examination, Scale & Polish within the calendar year for only €15.
- If your claim is “pending “, it may mean that a large volume of checks are being processed by the site at the time, or that your eligibility requires further checks by a welfare administrator. In this case, we will be obliged to charge full private fees on the day of your appointment. If/when we receive confirmation of your eligibility, we will reimburse the excess, so that you can still avail of an Exam, Scale & Polish for €15.
- If your claim is “not approved “, you can still choose to make an appointment privately.
Contact information for all of our practices can be found here.
I didn’t claim my entitlements last year, can I claim twice this year?
No, it is not possible to claim twice in one year. These benefits are only available once per calendar year, from January to December.
I’m eligible for PRSI entitlements, what do I receive?
The following dental benefits are available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions:
- A full oral examination once a calendar year
- A subsidised scale & polish (capped cost of €15)
- OR alternatively, a part-subsidised “Protracted Periodontal Treatment”. This is a deep cleaning, often carried out under local anaesthetic, where a regular scale & polish would not be sufficient to restore optimum gum health.
These entitlements are available to those eligible once per calendar year. This means that you may claim once between 1st January and 31st December each year, not once every twelve months.
If you still have questions, your local Dental Care Ireland team will be on hand and happy to assist you.
If you would like to book an appointment to avail of your 2020 PRSI entitlements, please click this link to your local Dental Care Ireland practice below to find their contact details or alternatively book your appointment online today. Ashbourne, Carlow, Castlebar, Claregalway, Ennis, Greystones, Knocklyon, Swords, Tuam, Tullamore, Cabinteely, Kells, Navan, NDC or Callan.
New Year’s resolutions for healthy teeth
January is the time for New Year’s resolutions and we have a few simple suggestions on how to have better dental health in 2020
The New Year is the ideal time to start good new habits as well as making sure you keep up the old ones. Below we’ve come up with a few New Year’s resolutions for you to make sure that you and your family maintain good oral health throughout 2020 and beyond.
Keep cleaning
Regular brushing and flossing are the basis for having strong, clean teeth. You may already have a good routine for both, but it’s worthwhile making sure you keep them up consistently. One way is to brush and floss at the same time every day if possible so it becomes a habit you won’t forget.
It’s also worth getting your children into similar habits from an early age. The more of a habit it is, the more likely they are to keep it up throughout their childhood and beyond.
Get check-ups
It is worthwhile visiting your dentist for check-ups at least once a year, though this will depend on various factors, including your age and your general dental health. Check-ups are so important as dentists can see if any problems are developing and make sure they are fixed before they get worse and need more serious intervention.
As it is January, why not make an appointment with your dentist now? Pick up the phone right away or book online immediately for yourself and your family. That way, it is done and you will have taken an important step towards having good oral health for the rest of the year.
You will find a list of our practices with contact details here.
Visit your hygienist
While brushing and flossing regularly are crucial, a dental hygienist will be able to give your mouth a deeper, more effective clean. We recommend that you see a hygienist once every six months so as to make sure you have healthy teeth and gums.
A hygienist will remove any build-up of plaque or tartar which brushing and flossing can’t always achieve. He or she will also polish your teeth, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Hygienists will also be able to advise you on how to improve your brushing and flossing, as well as spotting any potential problems which may need more serious action.
Claim your dental PRSI entitlements
If you pay PRSI – as some two and a half million people in this country do – you may be entitled to free or discounted dental care under the Government’s Treatment Benefit Scheme. It is worth noting that each year hundreds of thousands of taxpayers do not claim this as they are unaware that they may be eligible.
To find out if you are eligible and to claim your entitlements, visit our PRSI Entitlements page. Again, it is worth doing now so that it is taken care of for 2020. Too many people put it off and then forget to claim their entitlements later in the calendar year.
Look after your children’s teeth
The best way to get children to brush and floss regularly is to make both a part of their daily routine, so that it becomes a habit. It is also worthwhile brushing and flossing at the same time as your children, particularly with younger ones, so it becomes a regular thing you do together.
You should also make appointments for your children to see a dentist on a regular basis, so their development can be tracked. This will allow their dentist to spot problems early and to make recommendations regarding fillings, orthodontics and other necessary dental work.
Eat better, drink better
Obviously, diet plays a huge part in how healthy your teeth are. With the New Year, make sure to cut down on sugary food and drinks. Try to replace sweet snacks with healthier ones and juices with water.
Again, if you and your children do this together, it makes it easier for all concerned. Focus on cheese and yogurt and on vegetables and fruit such as celery, leafy greens, carrots and apples.
Lastly, we here at Dental Care Ireland would like to wish all our patients and their families a happy, healthy 2020.
Happy New Year!
For more information on the services offered by Dental Care Ireland practices around the country and to find the practice nearest you, go here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/
PRSI entitlements: All you need to know
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/
Do you qualify for PRSI dental entitlements?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, personal, community dental experience
With the introduction of the new PRSI dental entitlements in 2017, Dental Care Ireland are pleased to offer a dental examination, scale and polish for only €15, to all those who qualify under PRSI, including self-employed individuals. This includes small business owners, farmers, tradespeople, freelancers, contractors, and professionals. It is said that this treatment benefit will now extend to 450,000 self-employed workers around the country.
In the Budget 2017, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that he was going to reinstate a selection of dental and optical benefits once removed from PRSI workers during the recession. Therefore, as of the 28th October 2017, the new PRSI dental entitlements is available in all Dental Care Ireland practices.
Prior to this introduction, PRSI employees where only entitled to a free examination once per calendar year. Whereas with the new PRSI dental entitlements, PRSI employees and self-employed individuals are now entitled to a dental examination, scale and polish once per calendar year at a subsidised cost of €15.
“As someone who believes passionately that self-employed people deserve to be supported by Government and treated equally when it comes to tax and social insurance, I’m really pleased to bring in this reform. Self-employed people now join the 2.2 million other PRSI contributors who already enjoy these benefits,” said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. And we couldn’t agree more.
If you would like to book an appointment to avail of your PRSI entitlements before the end of 2017,
please click this link to your local Dental Care Ireland practice below to find their contact details or alternatively book your appointment online today. Ashbourne, Carlow, Castlebar, Greystones, Knocklyon, Swords, Tullamore, Cabinteely, Kells, Navan, NIDM or Callan.
Why a Regular Dental Check Up with your Dentist are so Important
A regular Dental Check-Up with your dentist provides peace of mind, as well as maximising your appearance
Putting off a visit to the dentist is something that we all have experience of, yet we should all try to go on a regular basis. Many people remember childhood visits which can play on their minds, but it’s important to remember that dentistry has come a long way, and uncomfortable visits are largely a thing of the past. The reality is that if you take care of your teeth, your dental check-up will probably be just that and nothing more.
The good news is that 8 out of 10 Irish adults are entitled to a free examination through either PRSI or Medical Card schemes. Further cover is available for those with dental insurance, which is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland and allows a greater focus on prevention.
Some people have the impression that seeing the dentist can be put off if nothing is visibly or physically wrong. However, it’s important to note that most dental issues don’t start to cause pain until they are at an advanced stage. The key here is to ensure that your dentist sees you for a regular dental check-up before any small issues develop into more serious (and costly) ones.
One of the benefits of seeing a trusted, experienced dentist is the chance to maximise your dental health and, by extension, your appearance. According to the British Dental Journal, “people are perceived more favourably over a range of judgments, including numerous personality traits, when they have normal dentition as opposed to abnormal tooth colour (caused by caries or severe dental fluorosis) or tooth arrangement”.
Perception is an important thing in any walk of life, be it personal or professional. Clean and visibly healthy teeth are something that we can generally all enjoy with minimal effort once we brush and floss regularly and see our dentist once every six months or once a year.
Getting into the habit of seeing your dentist regularly will also ensure you never have to worry about how your teeth are looking. If you have children, it’s also a good idea to lead by example and reinforce the need for them to look after their teeth as well as they grow older.
So, when should you go to your dentist other than your regular dental check-up? Below are some of the symptoms that should have you booking an appointment with your local Dental Care Ireland practice for your treatment needs straight away.
- Sensitive teeth: this can be the result of tooth decay or cavities caused by not brushing and flossing regularly, and consuming too many sugary foods and drinks.
- Bleeding gums after flossing: a few specks of blood in your saliva after flossing is normal (especially if you haven’t flossed in a while), but if you are seeing quite a bit, it could be an early sign of gum disease and should be treated as soon as possible.
- Long-term bad breath: this can be the result of tooth decay, a build-up of bacteria in your mouth or tongue, or even oral cancer. Using mouthwash to disguise the issue won’t help resolve it.
- Mouth sores: these can be uncomfortable, and could be signs of cold sores or oral thrush. Your dentist is ideally placed to advise you on their management or treatment if needed.
- Pain: it may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people put off dealing with a sore tooth or jaw. If you are experiencing pain that makes you uncomfortable, see your dentist.
Of course there is another reason to see your dentist, and that is if you are unhappy with your smile or your teeth in general. Today, no one need worry about having to tolerate bad teeth if they don’t want to. Trusted dentists provide a range of treatments and patient-focused care to offer you a winning smile, such as teeth whitening, orthodontics or dental implants. For a list of specialist treatments, see our website
Regular attendance at your dental practice gives you easy access to professional dental care, advice and treatment. Together with our experienced clinical team, we will minimise the likelihood of costly treatment later on, giving you and your family the peace of mind that comes with attending a trusted health professional. Click here to find your nearest Dental Care Ireland practice.
If an existing Dental Care Ireland patient refers a friend to a Dental Care Ireland practice, the referred patient receives a €20 discount off their first visit and the referring/existing patient gets a €20 credit applied to their account at Dental Care Ireland. See dentalcareireland.ie for more terms and conditions, prices, and contact details for our practices.
Dental Benefits: PRSI, Medical Cards and Insurance
Dental Benefits: PRSI payers are entitled to one free dental check-up per year
Book your free PRSI check-up here!
Approximately two million people in Ireland pay PRSI but surprisingly only 25% of those eligible claim the free dental check-up that is available under the scheme!
Everyone who pays PRSI is entitled to a free dental check-up. It is important to note that not all dentists are registered providers of the PRSI dental scheme, but here at Dental Care Ireland we ensure that all our practices are equipped to carry out your free exam.
Visiting your dentist regularly is so important and will ensure that any issues are detected early, before they become bigger and often expensive problems. A regular check-up can pick up conditions such as tooth decay, teeth grinding, gum disease and even oral cancer.
Prevention is the best dental treatment after all!
Are you a medical card holder?
There are a number of people who are eligible to a Medical Card, these card holders are entitled to a range of medical and dental services (including dentures) free of charge. Medical card holders are entitled to the following:
- One free check-up each year
- Two fillings (when approved by the HSE)
- Initial root canal treatment (only certain teeth)
- Wisdom tooth extraction (not including referral to an oral surgeon)
For more information, or to find out if you are eligible, please visit the HSE website.
Med 2
Some specialist dental treatments qualify for tax relief, meaning you can offset the total cost of your treatment against your income tax liability. All you need to do is fill out a Med 2 form and your dentist will sign on your behalf. Treatments covered include:
- Orthodontics
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Root canal treatment
- Periodontal treatment
- Surgical extraction of wisdom tooth
For more information, please contact Revenue.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is becoming very popular throughout Ireland, which can cover some or all of the cost of many dental treatments. Please contact your insurance provider to find out your coverage.
Popular dental insurers include:
Book your free Dental Benefits: PRSI check up today.
