Dental Care for Children Covered by the Health Services Basket
Keeping teeth healthy is important from the moment the first tooth comes in. Since 2010, dental care for children has been gradually added to the national health benefits package under the National Health Insurance Law. Today, all children from birth through age 18 are eligible for preventive and restorative dental care at no cost or with a low copay through the health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
This guide provides details about the dental services covered by the national health package (also called basket).
School-based dental health services
This service focuses on the primary prevention of oral and dental diseases in preschools and schools and is provided by local authorities.
Eligibility
All students from kindergarten (in some local authorities the service was expanded and now begins in pre-kindergarten) through ninth grade, inclusive.
Where the service is provided
The service is offered at schools and preschools nationwide.
What is covered
- Annual dental exam: Conducted in schools by a dentist (the exam requires parents to sign the annual health declaration for educational institutions).
- Parent notification: After the annual exam, parents receive an update on their child’s dental health status and a referral to a dental clinic if needed.
- Toothbrushing instruction: Practical guidance provided by trained professionals.
- Fluoride varnish application: A preventive treatment against cavities, provided in preschools by applying fluoride varnish (the treatment requires parents to sign the annual health declaration for educational institutions).
- Distribution of a toothbrush and toothpaste: Once a year in all school grades.
- Oral health education: The “Shenli” program is operated by local authorities in all preschools and schools and delivered by dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, in coordination with the educational staff. The program uses an educational curriculum that promotes healthy living, reduces risk factors, and supports empowerment and personal responsibility among students for maintaining their health.
Dental care through the HMOs
As part of the national health benefits package, children from birth through age 18 are eligible for preventive dental care (free of charge) and restorative dental care (with a low copay).
Eligibility
All children under 18 years old.
Where care is provided
Care is provided at HMO dental clinics and at affiliated clinics under contract with the HMOs.
Treatments covered by health services basket
The basket covers a range of preventive and restorative dental exams and treatments for children. Some services are provided at no cost, while others require a copay.
Treatments with no copay
- Annual dental exam by a dentist.
- A second exam in the same year, based on clinical judgment.
- Routine exams and follow-up as part of medical care.
- Treatment planning once a year.
- Dental X-rays during treatment.
- A pair of bitewing X-rays as part of the annual exam.
- Oral hygiene instruction, up to twice a year.
- Scaling once a year. Patients over age 14 are eligible for an additional scaling each year at no cost.
- Fluoride preventive treatment.
- Dental sealants.
Treatments that require a copay
- Emergency care.
- Restorations (“fillings”) using amalgam or composite materials.
- Dental pulp treatments, including root canal therapy.
- Dental structures—prefabricated or cast.
- Stainless steel crowns for posterior and anterior teeth.
- Extractions.
- Space maintainers after extraction.
- Sedation or nitrous oxide.
- Dental treatment under general anesthesia for children up to age 5 with early childhood caries.
Local anesthesia shots do not require a copay because they are an integral part of treatment.
Treatments not covered by the basket
- Orthodontic treatment.
For the full list of services, visit the Kol Habriut website.
