2024-11-08 16:29:00
By Le Figaro with AFP
Published on November 8, 2024 at 5:29 p.m.
After the introduction of these free consultations in 2006, every three years, the rate of young people suffering from cavities declined, a trend that health authorities want to further accentuate to achieve a “cavity-free generation”. Diflope / stock.adobe.com
Free consultations will now be offered every year to 3-24 year olds from 2025.
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.
“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.
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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 educational 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.
Marguerite 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 device” which “improves the oral health of the population”declared the Mutualité, which brings together complementary health insurance with mutualist status.
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**Interview with Dr. Marie Dupont, Pediatric Dentist and Public Health Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. Recent news indicates that free dental consultations for youth will now be offered annually starting in 2025. Can you explain the significance of this change?
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me. This change is a significant step towards improving oral health among our youth. By increasing the frequency of free dental check-ups from every three years to every year for those aged 3 to 24, we are creating opportunities for early detection and prevention of dental issues, notably cavities.
**Interviewer:** The initiative was initially introduced in 2006 and has reportedly led to a decline in cavities among young people. What have been the key factors contributing to this decline?
**Dr. Dupont:** Yes, the program has been successful so far. Key factors include increased access to dental care, early intervention, and education about oral hygiene. The one-on-one discussions with dentists during these consultations not only address current oral health but also teach young people about the importance of prevention and maintaining good habits.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a goal of achieving a “cavity-free generation.” How achievable do you think this goal is?
**Dr. Dupont:** While it may seem ambitious, it is certainly achievable with sustained efforts. The more we encourage regular check-ups and instill good dental habits in children and young adults, the closer we get to that goal. Community awareness and education will be paramount in reaching this vision.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to parents in light of these upcoming changes?
**Dr. Dupont:** I would encourage parents to take full advantage of these free annual consultations. Schedule them as regular appointments, just like you would with a pediatrician. Additionally, reinforce the importance of daily dental hygiene at home, such as brushing and flossing, to complement these check-ups.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these initiatives on the oral health of young people.
**Dr. Dupont:** My pleasure! Thank you for shedding light on this important public health initiative.
