Gap between contracts and impact for PRSI/USC enititlements

I finish a temporary contract at end of June and there might be a couple weeks gap before I start a new contract

I am paye employee

What is the effect if any of this gap in relation to my stamp or my contributions im building up in relation to PRSI/USC. I have been working constantly for the last year and a half without any gaps

I know at one stage you had to have so many contributions paid continually to be able to qualify for stuff like dental treatment under PRSI but am not sure if with the cut backs and budgets that is all gone

I guess im wondering if I not working for few weeks and not paying stamp could that have impact for me if I wanted to for example go to dentist and get my teeth checked and having PRSI pay for this or part pay for it

Could I pay PRSI contribution myself for the few weeks I not working to ensure continuity of contributions and stamp. How would I go about that - is there anything to be gained by going this or lost by not doing this

I believe i could sign on for the few weeks I not working and that way I think id be keeping my stamp/prsi contributions going but as it only couple weeks and I know I have new contract starting I was thinking I wouldn't bother as by time you'd go through all the stuff and process Id be back working and telling them to take me off the register as working again

What do others think?
Thanks

Yes indeed you should sign on for the few weeks that you are not working, and yes it may take a while to process. If you are eligible for jobseekers you will receive it eventually but it is vital that you do not have any gaps in your PRSI record.
If you are not entitled to JB you will get credits for those weeks which may be very valuable at some other stage of your life.