Cross-border braces

Families who live in the Republic of Ireland may be able to get help with the cost of braces for their child in Northern Ireland through the HSE’s Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme. Many people still know it as the Cross Border Directive.

How the scheme works

You pay a private provider in Northern Ireland, such as Belfast Orthodontics, for your child’s treatment. Once treatment is finished, you apply to the HSE (Health Service Executive) for a repayment towards the cost. The scheme is for private treatment only – it cannot be used for health service (NHS) treatment in Northern Ireland.

• For families who live in the Republic of Ireland.
• For children who are eligible for HSE orthodontic treatment. Many are already on an HSE waiting list.
• Live in Northern Ireland? This scheme is not for you – ask your dentist about a health service (NHS) referral, or ask us about private treatment.

Your child’s IOTN assessment

Whether a child is eligible for HSE funding depends on their IOTN score (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). We can carry out this IOTN assessment, and it is used to decide eligibility for HSE funding. The HSE makes the final decision on any repayment.

Dr William Maguire is registered as a specialist orthodontist with both the Dental Council of Ireland and the General Dental Council (GDC) in the UK. Dr Méabh Maguire, a dentist with a special interest in orthodontics, is registered with the Dental Council of Ireland and the GDC.

Clinician	GDC number (UK)	Dental Council of Ireland
Dr William Maguire Specialist orthodontist	257969	Dentist registration number 1623; Specialist Register (Orthodontics) number 10DS23
Dr Méabh Maguire Dentist with a special interest in orthodontics	257931	Dentist registration number 8423 (not on the Specialist Register)

Scheme prices

For children under 16. Metal braces only – clear aligners are not available under the scheme.

Assessment (including IOTN assessment to determine eligibility for the cross-border scheme)	£100
Metal braces	£2,630
Retainers	£170
Total	£2,900

Step by step

1. Assessment

   We carry out your child’s IOTN assessment. If the HSE has already assessed your child, bring their eligibility letter.

2. Treatment planning appointment

   At this appointment, we explain the treatment, how long it should take and the fees.

3. Treatment

   You pay us directly. Keep every receipt. Tip: some parents buy a coffee from a shop in Belfast on appointment days – sharing that receipt with the HSE can help show you travelled to our clinic on the dates you gave.

4. Claim

   When the braces are off and your child is wearing retainers, send the HSE claim form with your documents. We complete our section of the form.

Before you start

• Check whether choosing treatment in Northern Ireland affects your child’s place on the HSE waiting list.
• Private health insurance cannot be used for the referral.
• If the HSE refuses a claim, you can appeal within 3 months.
• For full details, search “Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme” on the HSE website.

Ready to start? Use our referral form and choose “Cross border”, or call 028 9045 1303.

Questions and answers

Can my child from the Republic of Ireland get braces in Belfast?

Yes. Under the HSE Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, you pay for private treatment with us and then claim a repayment from the HSE when treatment is finished.

How much do cross-border braces cost?

For children under 16: assessment (including the IOTN assessment to determine eligibility for the cross-border scheme) £100, metal braces £2,630 and retainers £170 – £2,900 in total.

How much will the HSE pay back?

Up to €2,800 towards the cost, and never more than you paid. Check the current amount with the HSE before you start.

Can we have clear aligners under the scheme?

No. Only metal braces are available under the scheme.

Who decides if my child is eligible?

Eligibility depends on your child’s IOTN score. We can carry out the IOTN assessment, and the HSE makes the final decision on repayment.