Children offered free dental check-ups
Children will be eligible for one annual check-up per calendar year
At a glance
Children under the age of 18 in Guernsey are being offered a free annual dental check-up.
The appointments can be booked with local dentists.
The Committee for Health and Social Care said the funding comes from the redistribution of some of the family allowance budget
- Published
A free annual dental check-up is being offered for children in Guernsey.
The new initiative will see children entitled to one free check-up per calendar year until they are 18 years old.
It will be funded through the recent redistribution of some of the family allowance budget, the Committee for Health and Social Care said.
Sarah Lyle, specialist in children’s dentistry, said she wanted to "strongly encourage" parents and guardians to take up the offer.
The appointments can be booked with local dentists.
Special needs children, looked-after children and families in receipt of income support still able to access their check-up through the Children’s Dental Service.
Ms Lyle, who is also head of department for the Children’s Dental Service, said: "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."
Children's visits to the emergency department will now only cost £25 as part of the new scheme.
In addition, children’s GP appointments now only cost £25, with a visit to the practice nurse costing £15.
Deputy Al Brouard, president of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said he was pleased income would not be a "barrier" to accessing healthcare for children.
