Did you know here in Guernsey, all children aged under 18 have access to one FREE dental appointment every year?
Yep, that's right! If you have a young person living in your household under 18 years of age, you are entitled to one FREE appointment at your local dentist absolutely free of charge.
Why early childhood dental visits are important
The sooner children begin getting regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives. Early checkups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain and other medical issues.
Early signs of tooth decay and other problems can easily be missed by families but small problems can be easily treated before they become larger problems. Visiting a dentist gives you an opportunity to ask questions or talk about any concerns you may have.
By visiting a dentist at a young age, children get to know the dental staff and become familiar with the process of visiting the dentist.
'It's much easier to prevent cavities than to treat them, which is why it's fantastic that we are able to provide free annual dental check-ups for all children under 18. If you haven't already taken advantage of the free annual check-up, I'd strongly encourage all parents and guardians to do so for the benefit of your child's dental health.'
Sarah Lyle Specialist in Children's Dentistry and Head of Department for the Children's Dental Service
Free annual dental check-ups for children
The States of Guernsey Committee for Health & Social Care is encouraging parents and guardians to take up the opportunity of a free annual dental check-up for their children.
The check-ups, which are funded through the redistribution of some of the family allowance budget, entitles children to one free dental check-up per calendar year up to their 18th birthday.
How to book your child's free annual check-up
The free check-ups can be booked with any locally based dentist here in Guernsey. Those booking the check-ups are asked to state that they are booking the 'States' annual dental check-up' and provide the social insurance number for their child, which starts with the letters 'GY'.
Special needs children, Looked After Children and families in receipt of income support may still access their check-up through the Children's Dental Service.
Source of information: States of Guernsey website
Useful Information...
States of Guernsey - Free annual dental check-ups for children
States of Guernsey - Children's Dental Service