Currently, local government authorities are required to provide dental health services to children from Gan Hova (mandatory kindergarten) through to 9th grade, as stipulated by the third addendum to the National Health Insurance Law and as per government decision. The service is funded in its entirety by the Ministry of Health (which conveys the budget to the local government authorities).
The service is given in Ganei Hova (mandatory kindergartens) and schools, and includes:
- Annual examination of all pupils from Gan Hova (mandatory kindergarten) through to 9th grade (inclusive), performed by a dentist, and written notification to the parents regarding he condition of their children's teeth.
- Dental health education provided by a dentist or a dental hygienist or a health promotion officer (3 hours per year).
- Distribution of a toothbrush and toothpaste to each child once per year.
Worth knowing
In 2010, dental treatments for children were included in the Health Basket. As of August 2016, children up to the age of 14 are eligible for preventive dental treatments (free of charge) and preservative treatments (deductible), and future expansion of the eligibility for older ages is expected. If your child needs dental care, please call the Kupat Cholim (Health Fund) in which you are insured.
