DENTIST CHEQUE

The Cheque Dentista is a measure implemented by the Ministry of Health with the goal of promoting and facilitating access to essential oral healthcare for different groups within the population. This program aims to prevent, diagnose, and treat dental problems, contributing to a significant improvement in the beneficiaries’ quality of life.

 

This benefit is granted to specific groups of the population, including:

• Children and young people up to 18 years of age, regardless of the school or institution they attend;
• Pregnant women followed by the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – Portuguese National Health Service);
• Elderly people receiving the Complemento Solidário (Solidarity Supplement);
• Patients living with HIV/AIDS;
• Patients at high risk of oral cancer or those with suspicious lesions in the oral cavity.

The Cheque Dentista works as a voucher that can be used in participating dental clinics or practices, such as Oralklass Dental Clinics, giving access to specific treatments such as dental cleanings, extractions, fillings, cavity treatments, or even gum disease corrections. It is a financial support measure that covers part or all of the treatment costs, ensuring that everyone can access quality oral healthcare.

To use the Cheque Dentista, the beneficiary must present the document at one of the participating dental practices, such as Oralklass Dental Clinics, within the indicated validity period. This system not only helps reduce the costs of dental care but also raises awareness about the importance of good oral health, encouraging regular check-ups and timely treatments.

If you are eligible for this program, you can get more information from the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) or from your family doctor, and secure access to proper oral healthcare and a healthy smile. The Cheque Dentista is a valuable opportunity to prevent future problems and ensure a better quality of life.

 

Can we use the Cheque Dentista whenever we want?
No. Even with a referral from the Family Doctor, patients only have access to a limited number of Cheque Dentista vouchers.

Regarding the vouchers that can be issued by schools:

• At ages 7 and 10, up to two Cheque Dentista may be issued in the same school year;
• At age 13, young people may receive up to three Cheque Dentista;
• The check-up at age 15 may be included in either the 13–14 age group or the 16–18 age group.

 

For vouchers issued through the Family Doctor, the rules are:

• Children aged 4 will be referred for an oral hygiene consultation at primary care units, or may be given up to two Cheque Dentista. At ages 5 and 6, children may only receive one voucher per year. In both cases, this depends on the medical assessment carried out, and the vouchers are only issued if there are severe cavities with pain symptoms or signs of infection in baby teeth;
• Children aged 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, and 15 with cavities in permanent teeth, who have already benefited from the PNPSO (National Oral Health Promotion Program) and completed their treatment plan, may use one voucher per school year;
• Children aged 7, 10, and 13 with special needs who have not yet been covered by the PNPSO may receive a Cheque Dentista following a screening by the local public health unit;
• Young people aged 16 (who received a voucher at 13) and those aged 18 (who received a voucher at 16) may access a new voucher issued by the administrative assistant at their local health center;
• Pregnant women followed by the SNS may receive up to three Cheque Dentista during pregnancy;
• Elderly people receiving the Complemento Solidário are entitled to up to two vouchers per year;
• Patients with HIV/AIDS may receive up to six Cheque Dentista. Those who have already benefited from the PNPSO may receive two additional vouchers, 24 months after completing their previous treatment plan.

Validity of vouchers: Each Cheque Dentista can only be used within the validity period shown on the document. After this date, the vouchers expire and will no longer be accepted by oral health professionals.

If you have access to the Cheque Dentista, you can carry out your treatments at Oralklass Dental Clinics. Contact us for more information.