Children's dental insurance in Ireland: HSE services and plans

HSE dental services for children

The HSE offers some dental services free of charge to children up to the age of 16. Dentists in local HSE clinics provide them (HSE, reviewed 13 October 2025).

School check-ups

The HSE offers free dental check-ups to children in 2nd, 4th and 6th class in primary school, and to children with special needs. It gives a follow-up appointment for preventive care or treatment if needed (HSE, reviewed 13 October 2025).

The class can vary. The HSE's school health page says the check may be in sixth class (usually prioritised), a special class, first or second class, or fourth class. Contact your local HSE dental clinic to find out when your child will be seen (HSE, reviewed 13 January 2025).

Outside these check-ups, the HSE clinic sees a child only after a referral from a school check-up or for an emergency. For other visits, you can bring your child to a private dentist (Citizens Information, edited 2 September 2026).

Emergency care

Children under 16 can get emergency dental care from the HSE, for example for pain, infection or swelling, or an injury to the mouth or teeth. Call your local HSE dental clinic (Citizens Information, edited 2 September 2026).

Private check-ups between school visits

The HSE advises a first dental check when your baby's first teeth appear or by their first birthday. For most children, it says check-ups will be once a year (HSE, reviewed 13 October 2025). Those private visits are where a child's dental plan may help.

Orthodontics on the public system

The HSE says around a third of children need orthodontic treatment. It provides it free for children who have a severe problem with their bite (HSE, reviewed 31 October 2024).

• Age: referrals must be made before your child is 16. A child placed on the waiting list before 16 will get treatment when it is their turn, even if they are older by then (HSE, reviewed 31 October 2024).
• Route: your child will usually get a free check-up in 6th class. The dentist will refer them for an orthodontic assessment if they need it (HSE, reviewed 31 October 2024).
• What qualifies: examples include front teeth that do not come through, multiple missing teeth, very prominent front teeth, or severe problems with the bite or jaw (Citizens Information, edited 2 September 2026).
• If refused: the HSE says to talk to your dentist first if you think the decision is unfair (HSE, reviewed 31 October 2024).

Private orthodontic costs vary with how complex the treatment is. The HSE says you can claim tax relief on private treatment through the Med2 scheme, getting back 20% of the cost against income tax (HSE, reviewed 31 October 2024).

Published child plan prices

DeCare publishes child prices for ages 0 to 17 on all four Healthy Smiles levels. Its brochure also says child-only policies are available (DeCare brochure, July 2026).

Prices from DeCare's July 2026 brochure, which says they are net of tax relief and "may be superseded".

The price changes at 18. Level 1 for ages 18 to 39 costs €18.31 a month (DeCare brochure, July 2026).

On DeCare, only Level 4 includes orthodontic cover. Levels 2 to 4 add 70% cover for sealants, space maintainers and stainless steel crowns for children, after 3 months (DeCare brochure, July 2026).

For how the levels work, see our guide to dental plans in Ireland.

What to check for children's cover

Orthodontic limits

DeCare's Level 4 has a lifetime orthodontic maximum of €1,000, with a 2-year waiting period (DeCare brochure, July 2026). Its terms say treatment must be by a specialist orthodontist and the problem must be grade 3, 4 or 5 on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (DeCare terms, March 2026).

The Vhi Dental Plan has a lifetime orthodontic maximum of €500, and the Vhi Dental Plan Plus €1,250. Both have a 24-month wait and do not cover grades 1 or 2 (Vhi IPIDs, 24 March 2026).

Compare any lifetime limit with a written quote from the orthodontist. Our sum: 2 years of DeCare Level 4 for a child costs €485.04 before the orthodontic benefit can be claimed (from DeCare's July 2026 prices).

Timing and exclusions

• DeCare does not cover orthodontic treatment that started before the policy, retainers billed as a separate service, or repairs to lost or broken appliances (DeCare terms, March 2026).
• DeCare pays orthodontic benefit only once the fixed brace has been fitted and activated (DeCare terms, March 2026).
• Vhi does not cover treatment after a sports injury if the right tooth or head protection was not worn (Vhi Dental Plan IPID, 24 March 2026).
• If your child may qualify for HSE braces, ask your dentist about the referral before you pay for private cover.

Waiting periods for everyday treatment

DeCare covers exams, cleanings and emergencies from day one. Fillings and children's treatments such as sealants have a 3-month wait (DeCare brochure, July 2026). Vhi has a 3-month wait for basic treatment (Vhi Dental Plan IPID, 24 March 2026).

Cover through health insurance

If your child is on your health insurance, check its dental benefits. Our guide on health insurance and dental shows how. For whether a plan pays back at all, see is dental insurance worth it?

For an overview, go back to our dental insurance page.

Sources

• HSE: Visiting the dentist with your baby or child (accessed 9 November 2026)
• HSE: School health programme (accessed 9 November 2026)
• HSE: Orthodontic treatment and braces (accessed 9 November 2026)
• Citizens Information: Dental services (accessed 9 November 2026)
• DeCare: Healthy Smiles brochure (July 2026) and Dental Rules terms and conditions (from 24 March 2026), on DeCare's website (accessed 9 November 2026)
• Vhi: Vhi Dental Plan and Vhi Dental Plan Plus Insurance Product Information Documents (24 March 2026), on Vhi's website (accessed 9 November 2026)