Due to the austerity measures imposed on Greece by the Troika, a growing number of people apart from cutting back on basic daily needs, have been forced to make cutbacks in their children’s dental care as well.
Within the past few years, a dramatic decline in medical care resulting from cuts in basic benefits provided by the National Health Services Agency (EOPYY) has been observed.
Limited dental treatment is free under the EOPYY scheme, which does not usually include cosmetic procedures. On the occasion of World Oral Health Day, celebrated every year on March 20, the Greek Dental Association denounces the nonexistence of dental care provided by EOPYY to almost 10 million insured people, with data in relation to children at least tragic.
Some 71% of 15-year-old Greeks have tooth decay, while the number for 12-year-olds is 63% . For preschool children it is 64%. On the occasion of World Oral Health Day, Greek dentists are trying to emphasize and increase awareness of the importance of oral health in overall health.
Nowadays, there isn’t any oral health prevention or education program for the benefit of the population in contrast with the former social security insurance organization IKA, which provided free health and dental care to its insured members at its medical centers, at state hospitals or private clinics affiliated with it.
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