2026 Guide to PRSI Dental Benefits in Ireland

If you’ve been paying Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) in Ireland, you may be entitled to annual dental benefits through the government’s Treatment Benefit Scheme. Despite this being a valuable entitlement, many people are unaware of what they can claim, how it works, and how easy it is to use. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about PRSI dental benefits — including what’s covered, who qualifies, and how to make the most of your benefit each year.

What Are PRSI Dental Benefits?

PRSI dental benefits are part of the Treatment Benefit Scheme, a government-run programme that provides financial support for certain healthcare services — including dental treatment. If you qualify, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) will:

• Pay the full cost of an annual dental examination

• Provide a contribution of €42 towards either a scale & polish (cleaning) or, if clinically needed, periodontal treatment once per calendar year

When the cost of a scale & polish is greater than the DEASP contribution, the additional amount that you pay as a patient is capped at €15. This makes annual maintenance check-ups and cleaning very affordable for eligible individuals.

Who Qualifies for PRSI Dental Benefits?

To use PRSI dental benefits, you must meet certain criteria:

1. You Must Have Paid the Right PRSI Contributions

Typically, this means you have paid Class A, E, P, H or S social insurance contributions. The exact number of contributions required depends on your age and employment history.

2. You Must Be Eligible in the Current Calendar Year

PRSI dental entitlements can be claimed once per calendar year — from 1 January to 31 December. You cannot carry unused benefits over to the next year, so it’s important to use them before the end of December.

3. You Must Visit a Participating Dental Practice

Not all dentists are registered providers under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, so make sure your practice can submit claims on your behalf. Most mainstream practices (including Dental Suite) are registered providers.

What Treatments Are Covered by PRSI Dental Benefits?

Dental Examination

You are entitled to a full dental exam once per calendar year. This includes a thorough check of your teeth, gums and oral health status.

Scale & Polish (Teeth Cleaning)

You can receive a subsidised scale & polish, a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar — with the government contributing €42 toward the cost. If the total cleaning cost exceeds €42, you pay the difference up to a maximum of €15.

Periodontal Treatment

If clinically necessary, periodontal treatment (a deeper cleaning for gum disease) may also be subsidised, although there is no cap on the excess you might pay in this case beyond the €42 contribution.

X-Rays

While not always billed through PRSI specifically, small X-rays required as part of your dental exam are often included or available at very low cost when combined with the dental visit.

⚠️ Important: PRSI dental benefits do not cover restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, or extractions. These services are charged separately at standard private fees.

Why It’s Important to Use Your PRSI Dental Benefits Every Year

1. Preventive Care Saves Money Long Term

By attending your annual check-up and cleaning, your dentist can spot issues like decay, gum disease or other problems early — often before they become painful or costly to fix.

2. Your Benefit Doesn’t Roll Over

Unlike some health insurance plans, if you do not use your PRSI dental benefit within the calendar year, the entitlement is lost forever. It doesn’t accumulate or carry forward.

3. It’s Very Affordable

Even if your cleaning costs more than the DEASP contribution of €42, the patient portion is usually only €15 for a routine scale & polish — making this one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain good oral health.

How to Check Your Eligibility

Before you book, it’s a good idea to check whether you are eligible for PRSI dental benefits:

Online

You can often view your entitlements through your MyWelfare.ie account if you have registered for one.

With Your Dentist

Your dental practice can check your PRSI eligibility for you using your PPS number and date of birth during booking or on the day of your appointment. Many practices will handle the claim submission on your behalf.

Contact Social Welfare

You can also contact the Department of Social Protection directly to check your entitlement status.

Book Your PRSI Dental Appointment at Dental Suite

PRSI dental benefits are a valuable entitlement that many people overlook. With the government contributing to an annual dental exam and cleaning — and costs kept low for you — this benefit is one of the best preventive health opportunities available each year.

The key takeaways are:

1. You must use your benefit within the calendar year or lose it.

2. You’re entitled to a free exam and subsidised cleaning for a minimal out-of-pocket cost.

3. Check your eligibility and book with a participating dentist like Dental Suite.

Don’t miss out — book your PRSI dental visit today and keep your smile healthy year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRSI Dental Benefits

1. Can I Use My PRSI Dental Benefit More Than Once Per Year?

No, you can only make one claim per calendar year (January through December). Attempting to claim twice will not work, even if your last appointment was more than 12 months ago.

2. What If My Claim Isn’t Approved in Time?

Sometimes claims can be pending processing. In some cases, your dentist may charge private fees on the day, and once the claim is approved, you could be reimbursed the difference — so always discuss this with your practice before treatment.

3. Can I Use It for Children’s Dental Care?

PRSI entitlements apply to adults who meet the contribution requirements. Children’s dental care typically falls under different schemes (e.g. the Dental Treatment Services Scheme – DTSS).

4. Are X-Rays Covered?

Small intra-oral X-rays taken during your exam are usually included as part of the service, but this can depend on practice billing. Ask your dentist what costs apply on the day.