Some Lithuanians are still unaware that they can have their teeth treated with prosthetic teeth at the expense of the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (CHIF). CLINIC | DPC doctors say that many patients are surprised to find out in their office chair that they are entitled to compensation from the Territorial Patients’ Funds (TLK) for prosthetic teeth.
Tooth loss is a condition we will all face. Thanks to improvements in living conditions and advances in medicine, human life expectancy is steadily increasing. Teeth, unfortunately, do not have the time to adapt to this process and their “shelf life” remains the same. As a result, more and more people are facing the problem of tooth loss as society ages.
Studies show that around 30% of people do not have their own teeth. 30% of Lithuanians over 65 years of age have teeth. However, we usually lose our first teeth at a much younger age. The most modern solution to this problem is implants. However, removable dentures are often the other option to save money. It is important to know that seniors, people who are unable to work, and oral and maxillofacial cancer patients can be reimbursed by the PSDF for dentures.
What should a patient who is planning to undergo prosthetics know? How can the dentist help me choose the best option? Laura Bukaveckienė, Sales Manager at CLINIC | DPC, the largest network of dental clinics, answers these questions.
– How can I get compensation for dentures?
– The clinic network CLINIC | DPC has an agreement with the TLK. You are welcome to contact your nearest clinic. You will find them in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, Panevėžys, Alytus, Kėdainiai, Mažeikiai, Utena, Raseiniai, Anykščiai and Jurbarkas. The doctor will determine whether the patient needs dentures, and check if he/she is entitled to compensation for dentures from the PSDF. The clinic staff will take care of all other formalities, completing the paperwork and making the necessary appointments.
– Who is entitled to dentures reimbursed by the PSDF budget?
– We often get calls from people who have read an ad in the newspaper and want to know if we do it for free. The short answer is that we do, but not for everyone. The following insured persons are entitled to it: persons who have reached the age of retirement pension; children under 18; persons who have been declared unable to work or partially able to work; and persons who have received treatment for oral and maxillofacial oncological diseases.
Currently, the amount of funding for children up to 18 years of age whose masticatory system is still developing and who need temporary dentures made in a laboratory is up to €316.88, and €1,910.49 for those whose masticatory system is fully developed and who need dentures made of permanent construction materials (determined by the Consilium). For pensioners, persons who are unable to work or who are partially able to work and who have fewer than 10 pairs of functionally complete contacting natural teeth or high-quality prosthetic antagonistic teeth from the first molar to the other side of the first molar, the amount shall be up to EUR 620.92; for persons diagnosed with more than grade II pathological wear of all teeth (more than 1/3 of the height of the crown) – up to EUR 620,92; if the edentulous mandible in the area of teeth 4, 5, 6 is less than 12 mm high – up to EUR 1 910,49 (determined by the Consilium).
– Are there any additional fees or charges?
– If standard removable dentures are chosen, there is no denture premium. This offer is valid for patients until 2022. 30 June. When another prosthetic option is chosen (fixed dentures, etc.), the premium may apply depending on the design of the dentures chosen. The dentist will provide a free consultation at the first visit. It is important to note that a fee of €10 will be payable for the examination kit at the time of the first examination. Also, if the patient arrives at the clinic without a referral for denture reimbursement, there will be a one-off nominal fee of €1 for entering the referral data into the system. If you have a referral, there is no fee.
– Which dentures to choose?
– If you are undecided about which dentures to choose, or if you are hesitant about the compensation you are entitled to, we invite you to visit your nearest CLINIC | DPC clinic. Our specialists will assess the condition of your teeth, listen to your complaints and expectations, and inform you about your treatment options. All you have to do is choose the right time and come for treatment!
– What do I need to know if I want to start treatment at CLINIC | DPC clinics?
– Simply call the clinic at +370 632 00 005 for a consultation.
Dentists and dental technicians work closely together to ensure quality work and produce dentures that are not only comfortable for the patient, but also restore lost chewing and speech function and aesthetic appearance. We would like to remind you that in all CLINIC | DPC clinics you can benefit not only from the PSDF funds, but also from the discounts available with the “IKI bonus for seniors” card. Card holders get 15% discount at all clinics. A discount of 15 % on all modern dental services at all clinics.
