Abstract
Aim: To investigate the uptake of dental services in the first five years (2011- 2015) of the latest reform.
Methods: Analysis of data provided by the 4 HMOs (Health Maintenance Organisations) to the Ministry of Health.
Results: The eligibility for the services started up to age 8 years. It then rose to age 12 years. In 2016, it rose further to age 14 years and then to age 15 years on 1 January 2017. The number of eligible children increased from 1,549,851 to 1,964,369 as the eligible age went up from 8 to 12 years. The proportion of treated children increased from 283,824 (18%) in 2011 to 660,840 (34%) in 2015. The most treated age group were the 6-8- year-olds. The preventive component has increased since 2012 as the restorative component has decreased. Between 2011-2015 the number of treatments per child decreased from 3.73 to 3.4. However, the preventive component increased from 1.25 (33%) to 1.5 (44%). About 1% of the treated children were treated under general anaesthesia, but the percentage treated in this way has decreased.
Conclusions: During the first five years following the most recent reform, the uptake of both preventive and restorative services by the eligible population increased as well as the preventive treatment component. It is expected that the current trends will continue in the coming years.
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