Health
Free dental check-ups extended to all children under 16
The Meridian Daily ·
Friday, 9 October 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.
Analysts said the decision reflects a broader change in priorities, as the country prepares for an ageing population and a changing climate.
A public consultation earlier this year received more than 12,000 responses, most of them in favour of the proposals.
Dentists welcomed the move but said more training places are needed, as many practices in rural areas are already full.
Analysts said the decision reflects a broader change in priorities, as the country prepares for an ageing population and a changing climate.
A public consultation earlier this year received more than 12,000 responses, most of them in favour of the proposals.
