Dental work in Ireland is expensive. A single filling can cost €100, a crown €500+, and orthodontic treatment runs into thousands. What most people don't realise is that you can claim 20% tax relief on these costs—that's real money back in your pocket.
Our specialists have helped thousands of clients recover tax on dental expenses they didn't know they could claim. If you've had any dental treatment in the past four years, you're likely owed a refund.
📊 Dental Tax Relief Key Facts
- Relief rate: 20% of qualifying costs
- What qualifies: Most treatments (not routine check-ups)
- Claim for: Yourself, spouse, children, dependents
- Backdate period: 4 years (2021-2024)
What Dental Expenses Qualify?
Most dental treatments—beyond routine check-ups and cleaning—qualify for tax relief. This includes:
- Fillings: Amalgam, composite, and all filling types
- Extractions: Including wisdom teeth removal
- Root canals: Endodontic treatment
- Crowns and bridges: Dental restorations
- Dentures: Full and partial dentures
- Orthodontics: Braces and teeth straightening
- Periodontal treatment: Gum disease treatment
- Dental implants: Where medically necessary
What Doesn't Qualify
Routine check-ups, scaling, and cleaning (prophylaxis) don't qualify for relief. Purely cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening also don't qualify unless there's a medical reason.
How Much Could You Get Back?
The relief is 20% of your qualifying expenses. Here's what that looks like:
When you add up four years of dental work for yourself and your family, the refund can be substantial. A family with two kids in braces could claim back over €1,600 just from orthodontic costs.
💡 Real Example
The O'Sullivan family had braces for one child (€3,500), fillings and crowns for the parents (€1,200), and wisdom teeth removal (€350). Total dental costs over two years: €5,050. Their refund: €1,010.
How to Maximise Your Dental Claim
Claim for Your Whole Family
You can claim for dental expenses you've paid for yourself, your spouse, your children, and dependent relatives. One person claims for the family—our team ensures you get the maximum relief.
Go Back Four Years
Don't just claim for last year. In 2025, you can claim for dental work done in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Think about all the treatments you've had—they add up quickly.
Deduct Insurance Payments
If your health insurance covered part of the cost, you claim relief on the portion you actually paid out of pocket. Our specialists calculate this correctly to ensure your claim is accurate.
Combine with Other Reliefs
Dental expenses are part of the broader medical expenses relief. When we review your tax, we look at all your healthcare costs together—GP visits, prescriptions, physio, and dental. Combined with other reliefs like:
- Rent tax credit – up to €1,000/year
- Work expenses – for many professions
- Working from home relief
The average refund our clients receive is €1,080. With dental expenses added, many receive significantly more.
Claim Your Dental Tax Relief
Our experts will review all your dental and medical costs for the past 4 years.
Start Your Free Review →No refund, no fee • Average refund €1,080 • TAIN: 77632V
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim for my children's braces?
Yes, orthodontic treatment for children is fully claimable at 20% relief. Many families pay €3,000-€5,000 for braces—that's €600-€1,000 back in tax relief.
Do routine check-ups qualify?
No, routine examinations, scaling, and cleaning don't qualify. However, if treatment is needed as a result of the check-up (fillings, etc.), those costs do qualify.
What about dental implants?
Dental implants qualify for relief where they're necessary to restore dental health. Our specialists can advise on your specific situation.
Do I need receipts?
You don't submit receipts with your claim, but keep them for at least six years. Revenue may request them for verification purposes.