DENTISTS:Minister for Health James Reilly is to propose reducing fees paid to dentists for certain procedures carried out for the State.
The Department of Health said yesterday the Minister was considered introducing regulations to reduce rates for gum treatment, known as protracted periodontal treatment.
Any such measures would be introduced under financial emergency legislation put in place in 2009 which allows the Government to cut fees in certain circumstances.
The Department of Health said the Minister was not reviewing any other fees paid to dentists.
It is understood that historically different arrangements were in place for dentists carrying out protracted periodontal treatment in the greater Dublin area than in other parts of the country.
Separately the Minister has determined that fee cuts introduced over the last two years or so for contractors providing services to the
Health Service Executive such as GPs, dentists, dispensing opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, smear-takers working for the CervicalCheck programme, and consultant psychiatrists who participate in mental health tribunals under the aegis of the Mental Health Commission should remain in place.
This followed an annual review carried out at the end of June under the terms of the financial emergency legislation.
MARTIN WALL Industry Correspondent