In 2024, the Estonian Health Fund will allocate over 103 million euros to dental care, the largest investment in oral health. Benefits for vulnerable groups (pregnant women, mothers of young children, pensioners) will increase from 85 to 105 euros, with deductibles reduced from 15% to 12.5%.
Starting from 1 January 2024, updates to dental care services will come into effect. These changes will improve access to care, increase benefits, and introduce innovative approaches to enhance oral health outcomes. Below is an overview of key updates and improvements:
- Adult dental benefit: Increased to 60 euros with a 50% co-payment for insured patients.
- Enhanced benefits for high-need patients: Including pregnant women, mothers of children under 1, pensioners, and those with no work capacity. The benefit will rise from 85 euros to 105 euros, and co-payments will be reduced from 15% to 12.5%.
These changes are intended to mitigate the impact of rising costs and encourage regular dental visits to improve physical and mental well-being.
“Oral health directly affects people’s physical and mental health, as well as their opportunities on the labor market. Increasing benefits is crucial to ensure people can continue accessing care.” – Minister of Health Riina Sikkut
Patients receiving nursing care will now benefit from video consultations with dentists, utilizing intraoral cameras for remote assessments and treatment recommendations.
“This innovation allows nursing care facilities to assess dental care needs on-site and provide employees with guidance on maintaining clients’ oral health.” – Marjo Sinijärv, Dental Service Manager
- E-consultations between dentists and orthodontists will be expanded, allowing more specialists to collaborate via the Health Insurance Fund’s e-service system.
- Dentists will now be able to refer children to myofunctional therapists for early intervention, reducing the risk of severe dental anomalies later in life.
- A mobile dental office preventive service will be piloted. Dental buses will travel across Estonia, offering preventive services to children in partnership with local governments and schools.
“We hope parents will provide consent for children to receive preventive services, allowing more children to reach adulthood with healthier teeth.” – Marjo Sinijärv
The Health Insurance Fund will allocate over 103 million euros for dental services in 2024, the largest investment ever made to improve oral health care.
These updates are part of the Ministry of Health’s commitment to improving access to dental care, enhancing preventive services, and promoting better oral health across the nation.
