Free Dental Service Not Used by 5,000 Children

Although dental service for children has been free of charge in Iceland since 2018, about 5,000 children a year do not take advantage of it, the Association of Icelandic Dentists points out, Morgunblaðið reports.

The reasons may vary, but the Association notes that authorities, in cooperation with dentists, must try to reach out to those children.

Jóhanna Bryndís Bjarnadóttir, head of the Association of Icelandic Dentists, states that much has been done to try to explain why so many children are not brought in for free dental service. “We believe some of those children are of a foreign background and the custodians of some of them may simply not be aware of this service being offered,” she notes. “In some cases, the social circumstances of children are difficult and their dental health, as well as many other factors, is neglected. Then there are those who are afraid to come for fear of getting into debt. Many people seem to think the service comes with a cost.”

She stresses that no matter what dental work is needed for children, the only cost that has to be paid is an annual fee of ISK 2,500 (USD 19; EUR 17).

“We need to publicize this information,” Jóhanna continues. “It has to be available, too, in Polish and in English. In addition, we’re looking at the possibility of notifying people through the health website heilsuvera.is when it’s time for a dental appointment.”

“Of course it’s a certain form of neglect not to take your children to the dentist and depriving children of their right to this type of healthcare,” Jóhanna opines. “It is essential for the systems to cooperate, that is, dentists, health clinics and social services. That would make it easier for us to reach out to the children who need our help the most.”

The Association of Icelandic Dentists fully supports a parliamentary resolution recently introduced by MPs representing the Social Democratic Alliance, calling for free orthodontic services for children.