Researchers: Yael Ashkenazi¹, Mohammad Khatib², Lena Natapov³, Shlomo Zusman³

Background: In July 2010, a dental care reform was introduced, whereby dental treatments for children (currently up to age 15) were included in the basket of services. A study conducted by the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute after implementation of the reform found that Arab children use publicly funded services less than Jewish children, and many of them use privately funded services. Furthermore, only a small proportion of Arab children visit dentists regularly for routine preventive check-ups.

Objectives: To understand the reasons for two aspects of dental care among Arab children: the low use of preventive dentistry, and the relatively low utilization of publicly funded services; And to suggest ways to improve the situation.

Method: The study was conducted using a qualitative method, through in-depth interviews and focus groups with parents. In addition, interviews were conducted with eight dentists.

Findings: The interviews point to barriers to the use of preventive dentistry: lack of awareness of the need for routine follow-up; lack of awareness of the importance of milk teeth; fear of being treated by a dentist; and economic barriers, which continue to exist despite the reform.
There are also barriers to the use of publicly funded services: incomplete or inadequate information about what is included in the basket; concerns regarding the quality of the service; a sense of discrimination; low physical accessibility and availability; limited choice of doctor; existence of cheaper alternatives.

Possible policy recommendations: Increasing awareness of the importance of preventive dentistry, and the importance of milk teeth, with the help of resources such as educational and community health services.
Dissemination of detailed information regarding the rights of children to dental care. Making the information accessible in a way that is suitable for the population.
Checking the provision and availability of services and adding more where needed.

Research end date: 04/2018