How to Check Your PRSI Dental Entitlements in Ireland: A Friendly Guide From Your Dentist
Ever wondered, “How do I check if my PRSI covers the dentist?” Maybe you got a reminder text from your dentist or want to know if your yearly check-up is free this year. You’re not the only one. Lots of people in Ireland pay into PRSI every week, but don’t really know what the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme pays for or how it works.
Good news—finding out if your PRSI covers dental is quick. You can also save real money on important care like your yearly dental check and a cleaning. Let’s look at how to check in easy steps and some tips to get the most from your PRSI dental entitlements.
Table of Contents
- What Is PRSI Dental and Why It Matters
- Are You Covered? Understanding Eligibility
- How to Check Your PRSI Dental Entitlements (Step-by-Step)
- What Dental Treatments Are Covered by PRSI
- How To Use Your Entitlements at the Dentist
- Costs, Savings, and a Real-Life Example
- Common Questions and Troubleshooting
- Tips to Protect Your Benefits and Your Smile
- Who Is PRSI Dental For
- Quick Glossary
- Your Healthy Takeaway
What Is PRSI Dental and Why It Matters
PRSI stands for Pay Related Social Insurance. If you work in Ireland, either as an employee or self‑employed person, your PRSI payments might let you get dental benefits through the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme. The Department of Social Protection (DSP) runs this scheme for routine dental care with dentists who take part.
Why is this important? Preventive care saves money. A free yearly check-up finds problems early. A cheaper scale and polish means a professional cleaning for less. This means less plaque, healthier gums, and fewer surprises. Think of it like a car service—a small check now stops a big bill later.
You’ll also hear about this scheme when people talk about eye tests because the same part of the DSP runs both. You can use PRSI dental with a private dentist if they take part in the scheme, no matter where you live in Ireland.
Are You Covered? Understanding Eligibility
Wondering, “Am I actually eligible?” You’re not alone! Eligibility depends on your social insurance payments and what kind (class) you pay.
The basics: PRSI classes and who pays
- Employees usually pay Class A PRSI. Public sector workers may pay Class H or something similar. Fishermen use Class P. Self‑employed people pay Class S.
- Employers pay PRSI too, but your own benefits come from what you pay yourself.
- The dental scheme is for Classes A and S mostly. Class P sometimes. Some others in special cases.
Typical minimum payments needed
Rules change, but for most adults under 66:
- At least 260 paid social insurance payments in total
- Enough paid or credited payments in a key recent year (like 39 in one year)
Self‑employed on Class S need a similar total, with paid S payments in the right year.
Self-employed vs employed
- Employed, Class A: Usually need 260 total and 39 recent payments.
- Self‑employed, Class S: Same, but paid S payments in the key year.
- Over 66: Different rules might apply. Some keep access based on their lifetime payments—best to check.
- Just started working: You might not have enough payments yet, but keep paying in and you’ll get there.
Who is not usually covered
- Dependents: PRSI dental is for the person who pays it, not their family. Kids usually use the HSE school dental service, not PRSI.
- People without enough paid payments.
- People under classes that don’t include dental benefits.
Why your payment history matters
Your “Social Insurance Record” is important. The DSP checks this history to see if you qualify this year. If you stop paying, you might lose access for a while. If you start work again and pay PRSI, you can qualify again when you reach the targets.
How to Check Your PRSI Dental Entitlements (Step-by-Step)
There are three easy ways to check if your PRSI covers dental:
Method 1: Check online at MyWelfare.ie (best way)
You need:
- Your PPSN (Personal Public Service Number)
- A MyWelfare online account
Steps:
- Eligible: Book your free dental exam and clean with a dentist in the scheme.
- Not eligible: If this seems wrong, move to Method 2 below.
Tip: You can also request a PRSI payment statement there.
Method 2: Contact the DSP
If you prefer, call the DSP Treatment Benefit Section.
You’ll need:
- PPSN
- Full name, date of birth, address, phone
- Quick summary of your job status (employed, Class A; self‑employed, Class S, etc.)
A staff member will check your record and tell you if you’re covered or what’s missing.
Method 3: Ask your dentist to check
A lot of dental practices can check for you with your okay.
How it works:
- When booking, say you want to use PRSI dental benefits.
- The practice asks for your PPSN and date of birth. They check through the DSP system.
- On the day, your dentist or receptionist can send off your claim.
What Dental Treatments Are Covered by PRSI?
The PRSI dental scheme mainly pays for preventive care.
Standard benefits
- One free annual dental exam: Full check of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
- One subsidised scale and polish per year: This is a professional clean with a small cost to you. The state pays the rest straight to your dentist.
Other info and changing rules
Rules change sometimes, so always check for the latest. Right now, PRSI usually doesn’t cover fillings, root canal, crowns, bridges, dentures, or braces. Some years there is a bit of help for gum treatments.
- Fillings: Usually not covered. Sometimes there’s talk about partial help.
- Extractions: Not covered.
- Dental X‑rays: X‑rays needed for your exam are mostly charged extra—ask your dentist.
Not covered or limited
- Orthodontics: Braces not covered
- Root canals: Not covered by PRSI, but you can claim tax relief with a Med 2 form.
- Crowns/bridges/dentures: Not covered by PRSI.
- Dentures: You may get tax relief or help through public services in special cases.
Need to know how lab work is done? Learn more about how crowns or dentures are made:
These are for learning. PRSI doesn’t pay for these at the moment.
How To Use Your Entitlements at the Dentist
Once you know you’re eligible, using your PRSI dental benefits is easy.
Choose a dentist in the scheme
Most private dentists in Ireland take part in the scheme. When you call, ask if they do PRSI dental. Many show this on their website or adverts.
Tell the practice you want to use PRSI
Say this when you book. Give your PPSN and date of birth. They’ll check with the DSP system for you.
The claim and what you pay
- Your dentist fills out an online claim for the DSP.
- You pay the set amount for your scale and polish. The check-up is free.
- If you need extra cleaning or gum treatments, there might be a different charge—the practice will tell you.
What if you need more treatment?
If your dentist finds a cavity or snaps a tooth, you’ll get a treatment plan. PRSI doesn’t usually pay for fillings, extractions, or root canals. Your options:
- Check prices at a few dentists if you want.
- Ask to break the treatment into steps if the cost worries you.
- Claim tax relief for some treatments with a Med 2 form.
- Think about a regular hygiene plan for ongoing gum health.
Costs, Savings, and a Real-Life Example
The big savings are from prevention.
Example:
Sarah lives in Dublin, works full-time, and pays Class A PRSI. She feels some tooth sensitivity. She logs in to MyWelfare.ie, checks “Treatment Benefit”, and sees she’s eligible. She books with a dentist in the scheme, gives her PPSN and date of birth, and gets:
- A full dental check-up (free)
- A scale and polish (small set cost)
Her dentist finds a small cavity. Fillings aren’t covered by PRSI, but Sarah can claim tax relief with a Med 2 for this part. She feels better because her main check and cleaning were cheaper.
Your numbers may vary. Always ask for a written quote before agreeing to more expensive treatment.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
“I was told I’m not eligible, but I think I should be.”
- Log in to MyWelfare.ie and check again.
- Ask for a PRSI statement or look at your “Social Insurance Record.”
- Call the DSP. Ask which year they checked and what you’re missing.
- If something was recorded wrong, get your boss or Revenue to fix it, then tell the DSP.
“How often can I use PRSI dental?”
- One dental check per calendar year.
- One subsidised scale and polish per year. If you need more, ask your dentist about gum care costs.
“Can I combine treatments in one visit?”
Yes! Most people get their exam and clean at the same time. If you need more, you may need a second visit.
“My dentist doesn’t take PRSI. What do I do?”
- Ask if they plan to join. If not, look up another clinic nearby that does PRSI.
- Ask friends/colleagues for tips.
“I’m self‑employed. Do I get dental PRSI?”
Yes, if you’ve paid in enough and have enough Class S contributions. Check on MyWelfare.ie.
“What about unemployed people or students?”
You might qualify if you’ve worked enough recently. Students with work history may also still be covered for a while.
“I recently moved here. Do overseas payments count?”
Usually, only Irish PRSI counts. Some EU rules can make exceptions—ask the DSP for help.
“Do pensioners get this?”
Some over-66s keep access based on their lifetime payments. Rules can be different—best to check with the DSP.
“What if my PRSI class isn’t A, S, or P?”
Some classes don’t include dental. Ask your workplace or the DSP what your class means.
“Are optical benefits included?”
Yes! The same part of the DSP handles eyes and teeth. Check online just like for dental.
“What about children’s dental care?”
Children aren’t covered on their parent’s PRSI. They use HSE public dental, mostly at school.
“Can PRSI help in a dental emergency?”
PRSI covers routine yearly checks and cleans, not emergencies. For pain, see your dentist asap—they’ll tell you what’s covered.
“Can I claim tax relief too?”
Yes! For things not covered by PRSI (like fillings, root canals, etc.), claim tax relief using the Med 2 form.
Tips to Protect Your Benefits and Your Smile
- Check your PRSI dental status online every year.
- Keep your details updated if you change work or start your own business.
- Save your PRSI statement on your phone or computer.
- Use your free check and clean. It stops small issues becoming big ones.
- Get prices in advance for bigger treatments.
- Use tax relief with Med 2 forms for expensive care.
- If money is tight, ask your dentist about spreading out the most urgent work.
Who Is PRSI Dental For?
PRSI dental fits if:
- You work in Ireland and pay Class A PRSI, with enough payments.
- You’re self‑employed and pay Class S PRSI, with enough payments.
- You’re in another qualifying class and have a good payment record.
PRSI dental likely won’t cover you if:
- You haven’t worked or paid enough yet (keep paying in!)
- You’re in a PRSI class that doesn’t include dental benefits.
- You’re a dependent—try HSE routes or a medical card for help.
For info on how veneers are made and if they suit you, check this guide. Always ask your dentist first.
Your Healthy Takeaway
Here’s the shortcut version:
- Check PRSI dental cover each year at MyWelfare.ie.
- Or call the DSP with your PPSN and ask about your dental treatment benefits.
- Or ask your dentist when you book—give them your PPSN and date of birth.
- Know what’s covered—one exam and one subsidised cleaning per year. Other treatments aren’t paid for by PRSI.
- Use PRSI for check-ups, Med 2 tax relief for more serious treatments.
- Keep up the habit: It saves money, pain, and keeps your smile healthy.
You’ve paid in—now make the most of it! Book your check-up today.
For the most up-to-date info:
- Check with the Department of Social Protection, Treatment Benefit Section
- Use MyWelfare.ie for status and statements
- See Citizens Information for a simple summary
Note: Rules, costs, and what’s covered can change. Always check your status before booking. If stuck, the DSP team will help.
For a behind-the-scenes look at how lab work is done for crowns, dentures, and more, check out How removable dentures are made.
Take care of your teeth—your future self will thank you!
