As a general rule, a patient in Latvia has to pay for dental services. Only specific groups of persons may receive dental services financed by the State.
Oral health is a part of the general health concept, thus the right to oral health is covered by the right to [general] health. Nevertheless, oral health is excluded to a certain extent from the general health care systems in many countries, which reduces its rights status.
As a general rule, a patient in Latvia has to pay for dental services. Only specific groups of persons, such as children up to 18 years, may receive dental services financed by the State.
State-paid dental services for children
Children up to 18 years of age may receive dental care, including dental hygiene, which is financed by the State. The first orthodontic consultation is also a State-paid oral health care service.
Orthodontic treatment for congenital clefts of the face and jaws is financed by the State, until a child reaches 25 years of age.
note The specific requirements for State-paid dental services are set out in the Procedures for the Organisation of and Payment for Health Care Services.
State-paid dental services for adults
The State finances dental services within the range of 50-100% for persons who were involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the accident at the Chornobyl atomic power plant.
Acute tooth extractions under general anaesthesia are State-paid services for patients within Disability Group I due to mental and behavioural disorders
note The specific requirements for State-paid dental services are set out in the Procedures for the Organisation of and Payment for Health Care Services.