School and Student Health Care (Dental Care)
On this page, you can read more about dental health care services in school and student health care.
Children of School Age
School-aged children are invited to periodic oral health check-ups by individual invitation at the ages of 7, 9, 12, and 15.
If necessary, a school-aged child will be invited for dental visits according to an individual treatment plan.
Dental health care is part of school health care, which is why oral and dental care is usually provided during the school day. Guardians of school children in the lower grades in particular are expected to attend the check-up visit. In this way, issues related to the child’s oral health also come to the attention of the parents.
Guardians of children are responsible for their child’s dental visits. It is important that carers also consider road safety if the child comes to the dental clinic alone.
Students
17-year-old students in secondary school (Vocational School/Upper Secondary School) are invited for an dental health check-up. Those who study at other educational institutions or are spending an intermediate year elsewhere must make an appointment themselves. All pupils studying in the region can make an appointment for a dental health check-up. Students from outside the region must prove their right to study at an educational institution in the region with a valid student card.
Dental health check-ups and treatment measures are subject to fees from the day the pupil reaches the age of 18, in accordance with regulations.
Investigation of the Absence of Minors
If the child does not arrive for a dental check-up, the home will be contacted. The reason for the absence will be investigated according to the contact.
If an underage child has repeated absences from dental care, this can be considered a neglect of the care of the child. According to Government Decree (6.4.2011 / 338), a professional care provider has a legal obligation to report the matter to social services.
Orthodontics
Children’s need for orthodontic treatment is assessed during routine dental examinations or at separate screening appointments.
If a child is found to have a bite (occlusion) abnormality, they are referred to an orthodontic specialist for further examination and evaluation.
ased on the orthodontic specialist’s assessment, the child’s bite development is either monitored during regular check-up visits, or orthodontic treatment is provided at the health center in accordance with the specialist’s treatment plan.
Travel Reimbursement
You can apply for reimbursement for travel costs related to school health care for a student in basic education and their escort, if these costs are not covered by Kela’s reimbursement system.
The form is only available in Finnish and Swedish.