What is PRSI Dental, and What Does It Cover?
Employers and employees (over 16 years old) are required to pay social insurance contributions to the national Social Insurance Fund. This is compulsory, but some people with unearned income may also be liable for PRSI.
The Social Security contributions you pay depend on the nature of your work. For example, a person employed in a supermarket earning less than €38 per week will be insured under Class J, but if that same person earns over €38 they would probably be classified with Class A PRSI depending on their employment situation.
Anyone with any unearned income over €5,000 is considered to be a ‘chargeable person’, and they are liable to pay the PRSI charge at 4% on all their unearned income. They’ll have to report it under Revenue’s self-assessment system.
Am I eligible for the PRSI treatment benefit scheme entitlements?
Despite the availability of PRSI dental benefits, only 25% of those eligible are taking advantage. Why? Could it be because they’re afraid to show their teeth or maybe nobody told them about the offer!
Everyone who pays PRSI may qualify for dental check-up cover under PRSI dental entitlements, including one free dental examination or oral examination per calendar year at a registered provider; this preventive dental examination helps catch problems early and reduce the chance of more expensive treatment later down the line.
Your dentist is the best person to catch any dental issues early on before they become bigger and more expensive. Preventing tooth decay, teeth grinding, gum disease or even cancer can be done with a regular check-up from your dentist!
The Treatment Benefit Scheme is available to insured workers, insured workers the self-employed, and retired people who have paid the correct class of pay related social insurance contributions and have enough contributions on record. To qualify, you must have the required prsi contributions for your age: under 21s need at least 39, ages 21–28 also need 39, ages 29–65 need at least 260, and those aged 66+ are assessed under rules based on their age and contribution history. If you reach pension age and meet the contribution conditions that apply at that point, you may remain qualified for life.
A dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant who does not have enough contributions of their own may still qualify for Treatment Benefit using the insured person’s social insurance record, provided they are dependent on that partner, and both you and your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant may need to confirm those details. You can also check your eligibility and free dental examination cover through your MyWelfare.ie account if you have registered for one.
I'm eligible for PRSI entitlements, what dental and periodontal treatment benefits do I have?
The Treatment Benefit Scheme, run by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, provides a limited financial contribution toward dental care through PRSI dental benefits and free and subsidised dental treatment to eligible patients in Ireland. The self-employed can also receive treatment under this scheme if they have paid a required number of social insurance contributions in their lifetime.
When you need a dental check-up, your treatment provider will take care of the details, and a claim form or claim details can be handled through the practice when needed. The Treatment Benefit Scheme entitles PRSI workers to enjoy these dental entitlements with your health plan:
- A full oral examination once per calendar year, with the Department paying the full cost of an annual dental examination once per calendar year. It’s crucial in maintaining your oral health, which includes checking the teeth, tongue, gums, and the roof of the mouth for cysts or any other abnormalities.
An insured person, including workers the self employed, self-employed people, and retired patients, may also qualify for either a scale and polish, with the patient’s extra payment capped at €15, which helps prevent gum disease by removing plaque buildup. There is no cap on the balance charged for periodontal treatment, and if that doesn’t do it for you, there are other options like a part-subsidized “Protracted Periodontal Treatment” which is a scale & polish with a gum bonus.
These benefits are available only through a dentist registered on the Department of Social Protection’s approved dental panel. Fillings, crowns, and extractions are not covered by PRSI dental benefits and are charged separately at standard private fees, though some patients may be able to claim tax relief.
Visiting the dentist at least once a year is important for detecting these issues early on before they become more expensive problems. Cleaning our teeth regularly eliminates bacteria leading us to cavities as well as bad breath due to gum disease, among other things.
You can access a subsidised scale and polish with your hygienist once per year, and the clinic can also help with teeth cleaning by checking your PRSI eligibility using your PPS number and date of birth when booking or on the day of your appointment. The clinic can also advise on claim payment steps and what contact details or bank account information may be needed if reimbursement applies. College Gate Dental Clinic is one of those practices which does have it available, so if that’s what you are looking for, then head on over there!
PRSI, or pay related social insurance, is an Irish social insurance scheme that supports a range of benefits, including access to the Treatment Benefit Scheme for people with enough social insurance contributions. If you are not sure if your employer has signed up with PRSI or which of their employees are eligible for this benefit, make sure to ask them! You can also contact the HR department about these questions through email or phone call. No matter whom you talk to, though, be prepared with a list of all your dependents in order to get accurate information on how much coverage they may need. The Treatment Benefit Scheme also includes optical benefit such as a free eyesight test and support toward reading and distance spectacles, plus hearing aid support; see the treatment benefit section for more information.
Knowing what PRSI is and whether you are eligible for it is important. Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are a few more details about dental benefits from PRSI. Unused PRSI dental benefits expire at the end of the calendar year and cannot be carried over into the next calendar year. If you have any questions or want to know if your employer offers this benefit, please leave them in the comments below!
