Dentist pass: Free dental examinations for Greek children 6-12 years old

It is important to underscore that a similar action is taking place for the first time in Greece, constituting an important but first step for the compensation of dental care. In more detail, until today, no medical procedures related to dental care are reimbursed by national health system-EOPYY, with the result that parents are charged for all the dental procedures deemed necessary for their children (as well as for themselves).

Recognizing this important "gap", the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance in the context of Primary Health Care and Preventive actions of the Recovery and Resilience Fund secured the necessary fund for the preventive dental care of children of this age group (6-12 years ).

This initiative, signed by Minister Thanos Plevris, is aimed at the child population in order to create the foundations for proper care of their oral health, given that according to experts, the first years determine to a large extent the problems that will potentially deal with as adults later.

It is indicative that according to a nationwide survey (2019) conducted under the auspices of the Hellenic Dental Federation, three out of five children aged 5 had tooth decay, while only 0.7% of adults aged 35-44 had healthy teeth. In fact, on the occasion of the publication of the data, the representatives of the sector had spoken of a dramatic deterioration of the oral health of Greeks during the last 10 years. And they warned that poor oral health is associated with a range of diseases affecting a person's overall health.

For this reason, the program includes a visit to the dentist's office where: 1. Check the child's oral hygiene. 2. Tooth fluoridation. 3. Cleaning. 4. Oral hygiene information and instructions for children and parents.

Benefitting 600,000 children

Beneficiaries of the program will be all children of the specific age category, which correspond to 660,000 minors according to hellenic Statistical Authority-ELSTAT data (2021). For the realization of the specific dental provision, a financing card will be issued for each beneficiary.

Regarding the process of granting the "Dentist Pass", the steps that parents should follow are as follows: One of the two parents submits an application for the issuance of the financing card through gov.gr or through the KEPs in Electronic Platform of the Program. The card will then be stored in the digital wallet of the beneficiary parent's mobile and can be used at the POS of all dental offices. It is important to note, however, that each financing card that is activated will be valid for six months.

Additionally and according to the plan that the technocrats on Aristotelous Street - under the general secretary of Primary Health Care, Marios Themistokleous -, all dentists will be able to participate in the program, provided they have a registered POS. Apart from that, however, as the Ministry of Health officials point out in "TA NEA" newspaper, no further bureaucratic actions will be needed (such as submitting documents, etc.).

Meanwhile, the cost of preventive dental provision will be fully covered by the Recovery and Resilience Fund resources so that parents are not burdened with participation, and it is expected to start in March this year.