Dental care is one of the exceptions in the Spanish public healthcare system, which means it represents a significant expense for families. In response to this problem, the Community of Madrid has been funding children’s dental care through the PADI (Children’s Dental Care Plan) for decades for children aged 6 to 16 and, starting in 2024, for people over 80.
The regional government has now announced that it will invest 5,962,486 euros in free dental treatments for these two priority groups.
The agreements, signed by the Regional Ministry of Health with the College of Dentists and Stomatologists of the First Region (COEM),guarantee coverage for these services until mid-2027 and make Madrid the only autonomous community in Spain to offer this public benefit in its entirety.
What the program covers and who it is intended for
For those over 80—a group of 410,507 people—the program allocates 3.5 million euros and is being implemented for the third consecutive year. It covers full dentures, cavity treatments, and dental cleanings, all at no cost to the beneficiary.
The 731,749 children in Madrid aged 6 to 16 have access to a catalog of 18 different treatments funded with 2.4 million euros under the tenth collaboration agreement with the COEM. Among the services included are root canals, major reconstructions, dental crowns, space maintainers, and tooth reimplantations.
How to Access Public Dental Care
To take advantage of this assistance, simply schedule an appointment through Primary Care with your assigned dentist and visit one of the 86 Oral Health Units (USBD) located throughout the region’s health centers. Following an initial examination, the dentist will determine the necessary treatment.
These units are staffed by nearly 350 professionals, including 173 dentists and 175 dental hygienists, as well as dental assistants and nursing support staff. Beyond clinical care, the USBDs also carry out preventive activities and actively collaborate with schools, thereby promoting oral health from an early age.