2024-11-07 19:37:00
Young people under the age of 24 will soon be entitled to a free annual check-up at the dentist, Health Insurance announced on Thursday, November 7, which is thus focusing its dental prevention measures on younger people.
Currently, 3-24 year olds can already have a free annual check-up every three years, a measure which benefits around two million patients per year, according to Health Insurance. This consultation includes an oral examination and an awareness-raising interview with the dentist. Reimbursement also includes any treatment that may prove necessary.
Read also: The government’s savings plans on health spending are debated
Read later
“Cavity-free generation”
In the years following the establishment of these free consultations, introduced in 2006, the rate of young people suffering from cavities has declined, a trend that health authorities want to further accentuate to reach a “cavity-free generation”. It is with this aim that they intend to accelerate the frequency of these free assessments, which will be offered each year to 3-24 year olds from 2025.
Health Insurance also plans to carry out more awareness-raising activities in schools and seek to better communicate with the public. “those furthest from dental care”for example in priority education establishments, in order to reach the most disadvantaged.
These measures are announced even though Health Insurance lowered the reimbursement rate for dental care last year, sending a larger share to complementary health insurance, which threatened an increase in their prices.
Ms. Cazeneuve, however, downplayed the idea that Health Insurance would use the savings made in this area to finance dental prevention actions for the youngest. “These are two very different subjects, even if we can explain that the objective is to invest directly in prevention”she explained.
For their part, the mutuals recalled Thursday that they would finance “up to 40%” free oral exams, “alongside Health Insurance”. “This is a useful and effective health and prevention system” Who “improves the oral health of the population”declared the Mutualité, which brings together complementary health insurance with mutualist status.
Read also: Dental costs: Social Security requires a financial effort from mutual insurance companies, which anticipate an increase in contributions
Read later
Reuse this content
1731118094
#children #young #adults #entitled #free #annual #checkup
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Public Health Dentist and Health Policy Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Dr. Carter, and thank you for joining us today. We just heard about the exciting announcement regarding free annual dental check-ups for young people under the age of 24. Could you elaborate on what this means for the youth population?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely, thank you for having me! This initiative is significant as it aims to improve dental health among young people. By providing free annual check-ups, we are encouraging routine dental visits, which can help prevent cavities and other oral health issues.
**Interviewer:** Currently, young people aged 3 to 24 can get a free check-up every three years. How will moving to an annual check-up benefit them?
**Dr. Carter:** Transitioning to an annual check-up means more opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment. Regular visits can catch issues before they become severe, which is especially important in the formative years when dental habits are established. The more frequently they see a dentist, the better their chances are for maintaining good oral health.
**Interviewer:** The announcement mentions a goal of achieving a “cavity-free generation.” How realistic is this goal, and what strategies will be implemented to reach it?
**Dr. Carter:** While it may sound ambitious, we have already seen a decline in cavities in young people since these preventive measures were first introduced in 2006. Educational component of these visits, along with better access to dental care, plays a crucial role in this. We will also focus on promoting dental hygiene habits and healthier dietary choices among young people to help sustain this positive trend.
**Interviewer:** What do you believe is the impact of making dental care more accessible on public health?
**Dr. Carter:** Making dental care accessible significantly improves public health outcomes. It reduces disparities in care, as many young people from low-income families may have limited access to dental services. Improved oral health can also positively affect overall health, as there are links between oral health and other health issues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter. It’s clear that this initiative has the potential to profoundly impact the health of younger generations. We appreciate your insights!
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! I’m optimistic about the future of dental health for our youth.