Have you claimed your PRSI dental entitlements for 2020?

PRSI Dental Entitlement 2020: Did you know that if you pay PRSI contributions, you may be entitled to a free dental exam, as well as a scale and polish for just €15 at Smiles Dental*?

The Treatment Benefit scheme – run by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) – is available to insured workers, the self-employed, and retirees with the required PRSI contributions.

It’s a handy way of looking after your smile and your pocket.

Yet, according to a 2019 article by the Irish Times, there were fewer than 805,000 applications for dental care under the scheme in the previous year.

So if you don’t want to miss out on free and discounted dental care, read on to see how the scheme works and how you could benefit from it.

Who can claim PRSI dental entitlements?

Anyone who has paid class A, E, P, H or S social insurance contributions can qualify for PRSI dental entitlements. The amount of social insurance you need depends on your age. You can find full information on how the age bandings work through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection website.

You can also claim PRSI dental entitlements if you’re dependent on your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant. Again, you can see full details on the DEASP website.

What dental treatments can I get through the Treatment Benefit Scheme?

You can use your PRSI entitlement to benefit from:

· A free dental check-up
· A scale and polish for just €15, OR a payment of €42 towards periodontal treatment (you have to pay the rest)

How often can I claim the benefit?

You can only claim the benefits you’re entitled to once per calendar year.

If you’ve missed out on claiming, or you simply forgot to claim in the past, unfortunately you can’t re-use the benefit.

That’s why it makes sense to use your PRSI dental entitlement every year: to save money while you protect your oral health and freshen your smile.

How will a scale and polish improve my oral health?

Even if you have a dedicated oral health routine, plaque and tartar can still build up on your teeth – especially in the nooks and crannies regular brushing can’t reach.

That’s where a professional scale and polish helps to:

· Remove any build-up of plaque or tartar, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated
· Give your teeth a thorough clean to remove any superficial stains

In a nutshell, you benefit from improved oral health and gain a confident, squeaky-clean smile.

How can I check my eligibility?

It’s easy to see if you’re entitled to subsidised dental care under the scheme. Simply contact your local Smiles Dental practice and give reception your date of birth and PPS (Personal Public Service) number. They can use these details to confirm whether you’re eligible for free or subsidised treatment.

If you are eligible, we can then book you in with one of our registered PRSI dental providers.

While not all dentists are registered providers under the scheme, we do employ a significant number of registered practitioners across Ireland, helping to make the initiative as accessible as possible.

Can I use my PRSI entitlement during COVID-19?

After careful consideration, some practices will remain open for emergency care to both new and existing patients. Other practices will be available to take patient calls. But as soon as we’re able to offer our usual services, you’ll be able take advantage of your PRSI dental entitlements. You can keep up to date with the status of our practices by checking our COVID-19 information page or following us on social media.

*Terms and conditions:
PRSI is not applicable to all treatments and is subject to separate eligibility requirements – please refer to the Department of Social Protection for further details.

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