Dental and Optical Care in Ireland
Access to dental and optical services in Ireland depends on your eligibility category and PRSI contributions. There are three main routes to subsidised care: Medical Card, PRSI Treatment Benefits, and the public health service. Updated for 2026 HSE.
Medical Card Dental and Optical Services
Medical Card holders are entitled to free basic dental and optical care through the HSE.
Dental Services (Medical Card)
- One free dental examination per calendar year.
- One free scale and polish per year.
- Free fillings (limited to two per year).
- Free extraction of teeth.
- Free dentures (with some limitations).
These services are provided by dentists who have a contract with the HSE. Not all dentists accept Medical Card patients, so you may need to search for a participating practice.
Optical Services (Medical Card)
- Free eye examination every two years (more frequently if medically necessary).
- Free standard spectacle frames (from the HSE range).
- Free standard lenses.
- Free repairs to spectacles.
You can also receive a contribution towards contact lenses if medically necessary.
PRSI Treatment Benefits
If you are employed and have enough PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) contributions, you may qualify for Treatment Benefits which help with the cost of dental and optical care. You need at least 260 weeks' PRSI paid since first starting work, and at least 39 weeks paid or credited in the relevant tax year.
Dental Benefits (PRSI)
- Free dental examination: once per calendar year.
- Contribution to scale and polish: €15 (you pay the balance if the dentist charges more).
- Contribution to fillings: up to €42 per filling.
- Contribution to extractions: up to €50 per extraction.
- Contribution to dentures: up to €190 per denture.
Most dentists will charge you the Treatment Benefit amount plus any additional costs. Always check the total cost before proceeding.
Optical Benefits (PRSI)
- Free eye examination: once every two years.
- Contribution to glasses: up to €52.14 towards the cost of frames and lenses.
- Contribution to contact lenses: up to €52.14 per eye, once every two years.
How to Claim PRSI Treatment Benefits
- Visit a participating dentist or optician.
- Provide your PPS number and confirm your PRSI eligibility.
- The practitioner will check your eligibility through the DSP system.
- The Treatment Benefit is applied directly: you pay only the difference, if any.
- You can also claim online at mywelfare.ie for reimbursement if you paid the full cost upfront.
Private Dental and Optical Costs
If you do not qualify for any scheme, here are typical costs:
- Dental examination: €50 — €80
- Scale and polish: €50 — €90
- Filling (composite): €100 — €200 per tooth
- Extraction: €80 — €150
- Crown: €800–€1,200
- Eye examination: €40 — €70
- Single vision glasses: €100 — €300 (frame + lenses)
- Contact lenses (annual): €300 — €600
Health Insurance and Dental/Optical
Many private health insurance plans include dental and optical benefits. For example:
- Vhi: Some plans include dental check-ups and optical contributions.
- Laya: Higher-tier plans include dental and optical benefits.
- Irish Life Health: Selected plans offer dental/optical add-ons.
Check your policy or contact your insurer for exact benefits.
Understanding the Three Routes to Subsidised Care
Dental and optical cover in Ireland depends on which of three systems you qualify for — and many people qualify for more than one:
- Medical Card route: free basic dental care (one exam, one scale and polish, two fillings, extractions, dentures with limits per year) and free optical care (exam every two years, standard frames and lenses, repairs). Not all dentists accept Medical Card patients — search for an HSE-contracted practice.
- PRSI Treatment Benefits route: if you have at least 260 paid PRSI weeks (and 39 in the relevant tax year), you get a free dental exam per year, €15 toward scale and polish, up to €42 per filling, up to €50 per extraction, up to €190 per denture, plus optical benefits (free exam every two years, up to €52.14 toward glasses or contact lenses). This applies to employees, self-employed contributors, and their spouses/dependants in some cases.
- Private route: full cost, but claimable through health insurance if your plan includes dental/optical add-ons.
The key mechanism to understand: PRSI Treatment Benefits are applied directly at the dentist or optician — you pay only the difference. Check eligibility through the DSP system before you book, and bring your PPS number.
How to Get the Most from Your Entitlements
- Check your PRSI record first — log into mywelfare.ie and confirm you have the required contributions. If you qualify, ask the practice to verify your Treatment Benefit eligibility before treatment so the discount is applied at the till.
- Book your free annual dental exam even if you have no pain — early detection is far cheaper than treatment, and the exam is free under both the Medical Card and PRSI routes.
- Plan around the yearly cycle. Both routes reset annually, so if you need two fillings, timing them across two benefit years can double your contribution.
- Get a written estimate before treatment. Treatment Benefit covers only part of most procedures; ask the dentist to itemise the cost so there are no surprises.
- Keep receipts. If you pay the full cost upfront (some practices charge and you claim back), you can submit the claim online at mywelfare.ie for reimbursement.
- For children under 8: free GP care doesn't include dentistry, but many community dental clinics provide free check-ups for school-age children — ask your local HSE dental clinic.
Medical disclaimer: this guide is for general information only. Dental and optical treatment decisions should be made with your clinician.