Health
Free dental check-ups extended to all children under 16
The Meridian Daily ·
Monday, 28 September 2026 ·
Page 3
Every child under sixteen will be entitled to two free dental check-ups a year from next spring, the health ministry announced.
Dentists welcomed the move but said more training places are needed, as many practices in rural areas are already full.
Independent experts will publish an assessment of the first year, which parliament will debate before any further changes are made.
Opinion polls suggest that a clear majority of voters support the plan, especially among younger people.
Dentists welcomed the move but said more training places are needed, as many practices in rural areas are already full.
Independent experts will publish an assessment of the first year, which parliament will debate before any further changes are made.
Opinion polls suggest that a clear majority of voters support the plan, especially among younger people.
