Dental care: when and where it's free

FREE DENTAL CARE

The care of the teeth, often very expensive, is one of the sectors least covered by the National Health Service. And 90 percent of Italians turn to private doctors for dental careMany people give up on dental visits because they can't afford them. But let's take a closer look at when dental visits are free.

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CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE

Children up to 14 years of age, both Italian and foreign, regardless of income, can benefit from free assistance for extractions, root canal treatments, root canal treatments, fillings, tooth removal. tartar.

PEOPLE WITH SOCIAL OR HEALTH VULNERABILITY

A second category of people eligible for free dental care are men and women in situations of social and/or health vulnerability. In this case, it's not age that matters, but income, specifically the ISEE (Indicator of Equivalent Economic Situation). However, it's the regions, responsible for healthcare, that decide who is entitled to free dental care. Of course, each region has its own regulations, so the only way to get a definitive answer is to contact the relevant health agencies directly.

ALL CITIZENS IN SPECIFIC CASES

There are then two specific cases in which dental visits for free are guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of age and vulnerability.

• Dental visits to ascertain any neoplastic pathologies of the oral cavity
• Emergency dental treatment. Infections and severe pain, bleeding, and grinding of enamel-dental irregularities resulting from a fracture.

FREE DENTAL SERVICES

But what are the most important free dental services guaranteed to those who are eligible?

• Dental visits
• Fillings and root canal therapy
• Extractions
• Indirect pulp capping
• Reconstructive oral surgery
• Periodontal surgery
• Tartar removal
• Intraoral radiography
• Applications of orthodontic appliances, the so-called "tooth machines"
• Application of removable prostheses

REGIONS WHERE DENTAL CARE IS FREE

Compared to the national regulatory framework, each region has its own set of rules for accessing free dental care. In Emilia-Romagna, for example, there is a total exemption for incomes up to €8 per year, while a co-payment is required for incomes between €8 and €8. Waiting times for services must not exceed 30 days, and treatment completion is guaranteed within 90 days. In Piedmont, there is a network of clinics offering free dental visits to the poor. In Tuscany and Puglia, free dental care is also guaranteed for families with an ISEE income of less than €8 per year. In Lazio, free care is available for incomes up to €8; co-pays are up to €50 for incomes between €13 and €20; and a 20 percent discount on services is available for those with incomes between €13 and €20.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR TEETH

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