Euskadi Boosts PADI Program for 0-15 Year Olds with €7 Million
- The basque Government has approved an allocation of more than 7 million euros for the financing of the Children's Dental Program (PADI) in 2025, guaranteeing free dental care...
- The annual check-ups included in the PADI allow for the detection and treatment of caries in their early stages, preventing complications and promoting appropriate oral hygiene habits.
- Since November 2023, the service coverage has been extended to children between 0 and 6 years old, allowing approximately 108,000 children to access dental consultations in their health...
Euskadi Invests in Children’s Dental Health with PADI Program
Table of Contents
- Euskadi Invests in Children’s Dental Health with PADI Program
- Euskadi’s PADI Program: Your Questions Answered About Children’s Dental health
- What is the PADI Program?
- Who is Eligible for the PADI Program?
- What Dental Services are Included in the PADI Program?
- How Does PADI Ensure Equitable Access to Dental Care?
- How is the PADI Program Funded?
- What is the Impact of the PADI Program on Children’s Oral Health in Euskadi?
- How is the Effectiveness of the PADI Program Evaluated?
- What Role Do Dentists and Stomatologists Play in the PADI Program?
- PADI Program: Key Aspects at a Glance
Updated 10 minutes ago
The basque Government has approved an allocation of more than 7 million euros for the financing of the Children’s Dental Program (PADI) in 2025, guaranteeing free dental care to approximately 200,000 children between the ages of 7 and 15 in Euskadi. This program, which has been in operation for over three decades, has significantly contributed to children’s oral health, positioning the community as a benchmark in the State and Europe.
The annual check-ups included in the PADI allow for the detection and treatment of caries in their early stages, preventing complications and promoting appropriate oral hygiene habits. Thanks to the collaboration of professionals from Osakidetza and the official associations of Dentists and Stomatologists of Euskadi, the program offers an accessible and quality service for families.
Dental Health Assistance Expansion
Since November 2023, the service coverage has been extended to children between 0 and 6 years old, allowing approximately 108,000 children to access dental consultations in their health centers. This preventive approach facilitates the early detection of dental problems from the appearance of the first milk teeth, strengthening oral health from an early age.
Furthermore,the Basque health system has incorporated new benefits into its portfolio of dental services. As 2024, pregnant women can access preventive dental measures in all Primary Care units of Osakidetza, and cancer patients have access to specialized dental care within the public health system.
Impact and Future Strategies for Children’s Oral Health
The latest Epidemiological Study of Oral Health in Euskadi confirms that the community maintains the best indicators of children’s dental health in the State and is at the level of European countries such as denmark. this report, prepared every ten years, offers an analysis of the oral health of the child population aged 7, 12, and 14 and allows for evaluating the impact of health policies and adjusting strategies to improve care.
To ensure equitable access to the PADI,the Department of Health will launch an information and awareness campaign,with special attention to rural areas and areas with less coverage.The objective is to ensure that all children in Euskadi receive adequate dental care,promoting better oral health throughout their lives.
Euskadi’s PADI Program: Your Questions Answered About Children’s Dental health
The Basque Country (Euskadi) is committed to children’s oral health thru its Programa de Asistencia Dental Infantil (PADI). This Q&A guide answers common questions about the PADI program, its coverage, and its impact on the community.
What is the PADI Program?
The PADI (Programa de Asistencia dental Infantil) program is an initiative by the Basque Government and Osakidetza (the Basque Health Service) designed to guarantee the oral health of children in Euskadi. It provides free dental care to eligible children, aiming to prevent dental issues and promote good oral hygiene habits from a young age.
Who is Eligible for the PADI Program?
Children Aged 7-15: The program primarily focuses on children in this age range,ensuring they recieve annual dental check-ups and necessary treatments.
Children Aged 0-6: As November 2023, the program has expanded to include children in this younger age group, providing access to dental consultations at their health centers.
Pregnant Women: As of 2024, pregnant women can access preventative dental measures within Osakidetza’s Primary Care units.
What Dental Services are Included in the PADI Program?
The PADI program offers a range of dental services focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment. These services include:
Annual check-ups: Regular dental examinations to monitor oral health.
caries detection and Treatment: Early identification and treatment of cavities to prevent complications.
Preventive Dental Measures: Including access to preventive dental care for pregnant women.
Dental Consultations: Providing advice and guidance on oral hygiene practices.
Specialized Dental Care: Access to specialized dental services for cancer patients.
How Does PADI Ensure Equitable Access to Dental Care?
The Department of Health in Euskadi is actively working to ensure that all children have access to the PADI program, nonetheless of their location. This includes:
Details and Awareness Campaigns: Targeted campaigns to educate families about the program.
Focus on Rural Areas: Special attention is given to reaching families in rural areas and areas with less coverage, addressing potential barriers to access.
How is the PADI Program Funded?
The Basque Government is committed to funding the PADI program to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.In 2025, over 7 million euros have been allocated to finance the Children’s dental Program.
What is the Impact of the PADI Program on Children’s Oral Health in Euskadi?
The PADI program has had a meaningful positive impact on the oral health of children in euskadi:
improved Dental Health Indicators: Euskadi maintains some of the best children’s dental health indicators in the State, comparable to leading European countries like Denmark.
Early Detection and Prevention: The program facilitates the early detection and treatment of dental problems, preventing complications and promoting good oral hygiene habits.
Benchmark in Oral Health: The program has positioned the Basque Country as a benchmark in children’s oral health within Spain and Europe.
Positive Impact: The oral health amongst children between 7 and 15 has greatly improved.
Habit Creation: PADI promotes appropriate oral hygiene habits for children.
How is the Effectiveness of the PADI Program Evaluated?
The effectiveness of the PADI program is evaluated through:
Epidemiological Studies of Oral Health: These studies, conducted every ten years, analyze the oral health of children aged 7, 12, and 14.
Analysis of Health Policies: Evaluating the impact of health policies and adjusting strategies to improve care based on the findings of the epidemiological studies.
What Role Do Dentists and Stomatologists Play in the PADI Program?
The PADI program relies on the collaboration of dental professionals:
Collaboration with Osakidetza: Working with dentists within the basque health service.
* Collaboration with dental and stomatology organisations: Allowing the program to offer accessible and quality service.
PADI Program: Key Aspects at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
| —————– | ———————————————————————————————————– |
| Target Group | Children aged 0-15,pregnant women |
| Funding (2025)| Over 7 million euros |
| Services | Check-ups,caries treatment,prevention,consultations,specialized care for cancer patients |
| Goal | Improve children’s oral health,promote good hygiene habits,ensure equitable access to dental care |