Dental Health Services for Children in the Health Services Basket
Maintaining dental health is important from the eruption of the first tooth. In 2010, dental care for children was included in the health services basket by virtue of the National Health Insurance Law, initially until the age of 8. The age of eligibility gradually expanded and as of 2019, all children from birth to the age of 18 are eligible under the health care services basket for preventive and maintenance dental care free of charge or for a low deductible through the HMOs.
The following guide includes information on the dental health care services included in the health services basket.
Dental health services in educational institutions
Provided by the local authorities, dental health services focus on initial prevention of oral and dental diseases in preschools and elementary schools.
Eligible to receive the service
All pupils from kindergarten (in some local authorities, the service was expanded to begin in preschool) to and including ninth grade.
Where is the service provided
The service is provided in various educational institutions across the country, from preschools to schools.
Procedures included in the service
- Annual dental exam: performed in educational institutions by a dentist (the treatment is contingent on the parents signing the annual health declaration of the educational institution).
- Parent update: following the annual exam, the parents are sent an update regarding the state of the pupil’s dental health and a referral to a dental clinic if necessary.
- Teaching proper brushing: practical training taught by professionals.
- Applying fluoride preparation: treatment to prevent tooth decay performed in preschools by applying a fluoride gel (treatment is contingent on the parents signing the annual health declaration of the educational institution).
- Distribution of toothbrushes and toothpaste: once a year in all classrooms.
- Teaching tools to protect dental and oral health: the Shenli software is operated by the local authorities in all preschools and schools, and taught by dentists and hygienists in conjunction with the educational staff. The program includes use of courseware that encourages a healthy lifestyle, avoidance of risk factors, empowerment and development of personal responsibility of pupils to maintain their health.
Dental care in HMOs
As part of the health services basket, children from birth to the age of 18 are eligible for preventive (free) and maintenance (low deductible) dental care.
Eligible to receive treatments
All children to the age of 18.
Where are treatments provided
The treatments are provided in the dental clinics of the HMOs, and in clinics related to them.
Treatments included in health services basket
The health services basket includes a range of dental tests and preventive and maintenance treatments for children. Some of the treatments are provided free of charge and others for a deductible.
Complete list of treatments on the Kol Habriut website (Hebrew)
