According to its available budget, the health insurance organization (HIO) has included in the GHS specific preventive dental services that will be provided by the contracted dentists.
It is useful to know exactly the dental services that you will be entitled to and what additional tasks of a similar nature your dentist is likely to recommend, following scientifically documented international recommendations and guidelines that are not covered by the GHS.
Dental care services to be provided under the GHS
depending on the age of the beneficiary
In each category are also listed the possible additional needs
Age 0-4 years
One visit a year to check the oral cavity and inform the beneficiary /parent /guardian about proper oral hygiene, the correct eating habits of the child, the Prevention of caries, oral habits (finger breastfeeding, pacifier, etc.) and their treatment.
This operation is very important, as it enables the diagnosis of pathological conditions of both teeth and gums, tongue, lips and generally the entire oral cavity. Taking into consideration many determinants, it also gives the dentist the opportunity to assess the caries risk and recommend the frequency of next visits. It is recommended that the first visit to be made with the appearance of the first tooth or at the age of one year.
Possible additional recommendations:
a. In most children of this age it is recommended that this check to be carried out 2 times per year,
b. Several children of this age may present a high caries risk. The dentist in is likely to recommend fluoridation of teeth 2-4 times a year,
c. In this age there is already a need for more treatments (obturations, endodontic treatments, extractions, etc.).
Age 4-6 years
One visit per year for dental scaling, oral cavity control and informing the beneficiary/parent/guardian about proper oral hygiene, the correct eating habits of the child, the Prevention of caries, oral habits (finger breastfeeding, pacifier, etc.) and their treatment.
Possible additional recommendations:
a. In most children of this age it is recommended that this check to be carried out two times per year,
b. Several children of this age may present a high caries risk. The dentist in those cases is likely to recommend fluoridation of teeth 2-4 times a year,
c. In many children of this age there is already a need for more treatments (obturations, endodontic treatments, extractions, etc.).
Age 6-12 years
One visit per year for prevention, fluoridation and oral cavity control.
Possible additional recommendations:
a. In children of this age it is recommended that this check to be carried out 2 times a year, as fluorosis 2-4 times a year, depending on the caries risk,
b. In many children of this age there is already a need for more treatments (obturations, endodontic treatments, extractions, etc.),
c. Orthodontic assessment or monitoring and/or treatment is recommended.
Age 12 years and over (including adults)
One visit per year for prevention and control of the oral cavity.
Possible additional recommendations:
a. Most people are advised to be checked 2 times per year,
b. People up to 18 years of age are recommended to undergo fluoridation 2 times per year, as well as orthodontic assessment or monitoring and / or treatment,
c. Often people of this age have established periodontal disease, i.e. gingivitis or periodontitis, conditions that cannot be treated in just one visit,
d. In most people of this age there is already a need for more treatments (obturations, endodontic treatments, extractions, etc.).
Explanation of dental operations and ailments
- Dental Scaling is the dental operation in which the tartar is removed (and dental plaque) deposits from the surfaces of the teeth. This is an important preventive dental practice aimed at limiting the occurrence of tooth decay and periodontal disease, which are the most frequent cause of tooth loss.
- Fluoridation is the dental practice in which fluoride preparations are applied locally, either in the form of gel or foam on special trays for 1-4 minutes, or in the form of varnish for spreading the teeth. Its action is proven in reducing the appearance of caries and is strongly recommended to be done with the appearance of the first permanent teeth in the mouth until the adulthood. Based on the caries risk, fluorosis is very often recommended in children of much younger age but also in adults or elders.
- Gingivitis is a common gum disease due to microbial plaque accumulation on the teeth. The main symptoms of gingivitis are redness , swelling and bleeding gums. Treatment of gingivitis includes prevention, oral hygiene instructions, elimination of plaque retention factors (“correction” of old occlusions or prosthetic operations on the teeth), local medication, etc. Usually for the treatment, more than one visit to the dentist is required.
- Periodontitis. If gingivitis is not treated in time it may lead to periodontitis. In this case the inflammation is more severe and simultaneously with the gums is also affects the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. In addition to the symptoms observed in the gums, mobility of the teeth (they shake) is also observed. If periodontitis is not treated in time it may lead to tooth loss. For the treatment of periodontitis, in addition to those mentioned for the treatment of gingivitis, deep scaling may be required (deep and thorough cleaning of the surfaces of the roots of the teeth) while in more serious situations, surgery may be required. Treatment of periodontitis usually requires several visits to the dentist.
After the treatment of periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis), periodic monitoring is required at regular intervals to maintain the therapeutic effect. This check is done 2 or more times a year and includes, among other things, Prevention.
Pancyprian Dental Association
Nicosia, 26 November 2020
