The public dental service provides oral health care for patients eligible for dental services with the HSE.
Patients eligible for public dental services include all children up to 16 years of age (including preschool, primary school, and post primary children) and eligible adults.
Routine and emergency services are provided to children and adults with special healthcare needs, children in the care of the HSE and patients of any facility maintained by the HSE.
Future developments for the service will include enhanced care for certain vulnerable groups.
A preventative evidence-based approach is the fundamental and distinctive character of the public dental service.
Future developments for the service will include enhanced care for Special Needs Groups and further developing Oral Health Promotion within the Mid West