Abstract

"In the context of Explicit Health Guarantees Plan (EHGP), in 2005 the Ministry of Health introduced the ""Comprehensive Oral Health care for 6 year old children"". By MTNSAL's initiative, a study was developed to assess the distribution, use and implementation of this guarantee for every child in the country. Some results of this study are presented. Method: Parents and guardians of 6-year-old children who receive this benefit were surveyed in a random representative sample of urban and rural schools in the country throughout 2007-2008. Results: A large majority (73.9%) of parents are familiar with the National Health Guaranties , among these, 70.3% are familiar with the dental benefit. A small proportion (23.3% in public insurance, 13.2% in private insurance system), found out about this program through the Primary health care services. Discussion: The Dental Guarantee is well known, but underutilized. It is important that physicians, especially pediatricians, collaborate in the promotion of dental health and the utilization of this benefit, which is the right of every Chilean child."