The Department of Health has confirmed that dentists are not permitted to charge patients who receive health service dental care additional amounts for PPE.
However, if dental treatment is provided privately, dentists are able to request a supplement for PPE.
In response to questions posed by The Impartial Reporter requesting clarity on the introduction of additional fees for PPE used during dental appointments, a Department of Health (DoH) spokesman stated: “Fees charged to patients for health service dental care are regulated and set out in the Statement of Dental Remuneration. Dentists are not permitted to charge patients receiving health service dental care additional amounts for PPE.”
The Department spokesman noted that should the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) be made aware that health service patients are being charged in excess of the statutory charges, then the matter will be investigated.
“If a health service patient wishes to make a complaint about supplementary charges being levied for PPE, advice can be accessed at this web-link: www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/2459.htm.”
“In contrast, when dental treatment is provided privately, dentists are able to set their own fees and are able to request a supplement for PPE. These extra sums for private dental care are set by the practice themselves without any involvement or knowledge of the Department of Health,” the Department spokesman told this newspaper.
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