Vhi DeCare Dental today announced details of a new dental product which has been developed in response to changes to the PRSI Dental Treatment Benefits scheme, called Vhi DeCare Dental Starter.

Two million people were previously eligible for subsidised treatments under the popular Government PRSI scheme. In 2008 alone, 400,000 people visited the dentist for an annual exam and 1.5 million treatment items were availed of. Following its withdrawal, there are fears of a big drop in attendance at the dentist for regular check ups and routine dental care.

Vhi DeCare Dental Starter is a unique product with no waiting period for the first six months thus anyone can avail of the benefits of the product immediately. Other benefits include up to 70% cover for investigative and preventative treatment, up to 50% cover for basic treatment such as fillings, tooth extractions and emergency treatment and up to 40% cover for major treatment such as root canal treatment and dentures plus bespoke children’s benefits for examinations and sealants.

According to Declan Moran, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Vhi Healthcare said: “Vhi DeCare Dental is committed to providing affordable solutions that protect and enhance the oral health of all Irish persons. We consulted with our members following the withdrawal of the PSRI scheme, and created this product in response to their needs. As the leading provider of dental insurance in Ireland we are uniquely positioned to respond to this changing dental landscape.”

According to Dr Ger Gavin Chief Dental Officer Vhi DeCare Dental “We believe that maintaining the oral health of the Irish population is important and we would like to encourage our customers to keep attending the dentist. As such we have introduced an entry level product that will provide a very broad level of basic dental cover from as little as €10 a month. This new product will provide valuable financial assistance towards the costs associated with many common treatments and will reduce the costs associated with examinations and treatments ensuring that people will be less inclined to avoid the dentist due to concerns about costs. We also welcome the commitment to waive the waiting period for the first six months.”

Vhi DeCare Dental Starter will be available from 1st April 2010.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

About Vhi DeCare Dental

* We pay out on approximately 95% of claims and can reimburse directly into our customers bank accounts.
* 95% of claims are completed within 10 working days
* DeCare Dental has managed benefits for over 40,000 customers in Ireland. Worldwide, manage dental insurance benefits for over 4 million people and processed over 6 million claims in 2009.
* Vhi DeCare Dental is the first and leading commercial dental benefit provider in Ireland, covering more Irish individuals, families and members of employer groups than any other brand.
* Hallmarks of Vhi DeCare Dental plans include affordability, freedom to see any dentist and friendly, accessible customer service.
* Vhi Healthcare is the leading Irish Healthcare insurer in the market with 1.5 million members