The utilization rate for dental examinations in 2023 was set at 68% with an investment of more than €15 million, higher than in 2022 but lower than the 75% utilization target set by the Directorate General of Health (DGS). .
In conjunction with World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated this Wednesday, the DGS said in a statement that the National Oral Health Promotion Program “issued 635,60 dental vouchers last year, reaching 428,353 users,” with a utilization rate of 68 % and an investment of 15.117 million euros.
These values are higher than in 2022, when 629,991 dental checks were issued and 415,497 were used, a utilization rate of 67% and an investment of approximately 14.5 million euros.
“The number of referrals issued for dental consultations in 2023 – 86,170 – was the highest ever, with 26,496 used. Oral hygiene referrals also increased compared to 2022, with 27,527 referrals recorded and 15,293 were used,” the DGS said. .
The organization also states that over the past year there has been a “gradual reduction in the number of treatment procedures provided through dental check-ups for children and young people aged 7, 10 and 13 years, with more than 70% of preventive procedures completed.”
The statement said that “the level of preventative treatment provided in the NHS has increased by more than 10% over the past six years, resulting in significant improvements in the health of the young population.”
“With the goal of achieving a utilization rate of 75%, DGS continues to strengthen all measures that allow easier access and use of dental examinations/oral hygienist referrals, namely through the process currently underway to dematerialize access digitally. “, the message says.
The DGS reminds that pregnant women, children and young people aged 2 to 18 years, recipients of solidarity benefits, people with HIV/AIDS and users with suspected oral cancer have access to dental examinations.
Children and young people aged 4, 7, 10 and 13 years have the right to oral health advice in health centres.
Today, the DGS celebrates World Oral Health Day with an event in Coimbra that includes the participation in the opening session of the municipal president and former president of the Order of Doctors, José Manuel Silva, as well as the director general Saude, Rita Sa Machado and the president of the Order of Dentists, Miguel Pavao.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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