A number of changes to improve how dental procedures is reimbursed will enter into force in September in order to reverse the trend of people not going to the dentist because they can't afford care.
Earlier this year, it was reported that half of people in Belgium do not go to the dentist regularly, mainly due to financial concerns. The humanitarian organisation Médecins du Monde (MdM) argued this was due to the high costs that patients must front and the lack of dentists who apply the capped prices set by the national health insurance system.
The organisation launched a campaign to turn the tide and its efforts now mean that from 1 September, dental treatment will be better reimbursed. "Too many people in our country still rarely or never go to the dentist for financial reasons, with all the adverse consequences that entails," Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said.
"Research shows that poor dental care causes problems not only in the mouth but also elsewhere in the body. Dental problems are often a precursor to other health problems." Bad teeth can also lead to social anxiety: for example, they can ruin a person's chances during a job interview.
Focus on young people
One of the key changes is that visits to the dentist will now be free for all young people up to the age of 19. "Specifically, annual oral examination, periodontal oral examination and tartar removal will be free until the child's 19th birthday," Vandenbroucke explained.
Young people until this age will also not have to pay a so-called "co-payment" in addition to the cost that is covered by health insurance, making these procedures free of charge. Until now, this was the case only until their 18th birthday.
In addition, the age limits for reimbursement of other examinations will be extended or completely dropped. From now on, paradontal oral examinations will be reimbursed up to a person's 60th birthday instead of their 55th birthday. However, the co-payment will still apply here, except for those under the age of 19.
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Finally, the age limit for reimbursement of the annual oral check-up has been dropped entirely. Until now, people from the age of 80 stopped receiving a reimbursement, but now the reimbursement applies to everyone. Again, the co-payment fee remains in force unless the patient is under 19.
Of the €7 million being invested in the dental sector this year, €5.5 million will go towards better reimbursement for dental care. "We are focusing on prevention so that people go to the dentist earlier and on better reimbursement for more complex treatments. Quality, affordable dental care is really important," Vandenbroucke concluded.
