Children and teeth in Germany: free prevention programmes

Children and teeth in Germany: free preventive dental programmes covered by health insurance
A complete guide to the free dental prevention services for children and teenagers

Germany places great importance on children’s dental health. Through the statutory health insurance (GKV), it provides completely free preventive programmes that start at a very early age and continue into adolescence, aiming to prevent tooth decay and long-term problems.

From what age does prevention start?

• From around 6 months of age (after the eruption of the first baby tooth)

• Up to the age of 18 years

During this period, children can benefit from age-specific prevention modules.

Preventive programme by age group

Ages 1–6: Early childhood prevention (Vorsorge für Kleinkinder)
Official name: Früherkennungsuntersuchungen bei Kleinkindern

• Number of free visits: up to 3 preventive visits per year

• Content:

  • Examination of the first primary teeth

  • Parental counselling on healthy nutrition and proper oral hygiene

  • Application of topical fluoride (Fluoridierung)

  • Assessment of caries risk and planning further follow-up if needed

Ages 6–18: Individual prophylaxis for children and adolescents (Individualprophylaxe für Kinder und Jugendliche)

This is one of the most important prevention services offered in dental practices and, partly, in schools.

• Available usually every 6 months

• Includes:

  • Preventive tooth cleaning (a form of professional tooth cleaning tailored to children and adolescents)

  • Use of disclosing dyes to make dental plaque visible

  • Toothbrushing training with toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Application of fluoride gel to strengthen the enamel

  • Nutrition counselling on food and drinks that increase or reduce the risk of tooth decay

In schools and kindergartens

• Regular visits from school dental health services (Schulzahnärztlicher Dienst)

• Distribution of toothbrushes and toothpaste free of charge in some campaigns

• Educational and playful activities in groups to teach children how to care for their teeth in a fun way

Who pays for these services?

• The statutory health insurance (GKV) covers all costs of these preventive programmes.

• No prescription or co-payment is required.

• The only condition is that the dentist is contracted with the statutory health insurance system.

Are the visits recorded in a special booklet?

Yes. Children have a special dental prevention booklet, similar to the Bonusheft for adults.

• Regular check-ups and preventive treatments are documented there.

• This documentation can later be helpful, especially if the child needs orthodontic treatment, as proof that preventive care has been taken seriously over time.

Important notes for parents

• Even if there are no obvious dental problems, it is strongly recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months.

• Cosmetic treatments (such as tooth whitening purely for aesthetic reasons) are not covered by the GKV.

• Children with a high risk of caries may be offered more intensive follow-up, with closer intervals and additional preventive measures.

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The editorial and author team of this website aims to provide accurate and reliable information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or information may become outdated. Please regard this article as an initial guide and always consult dentists, health insurance funds and competent authorities for definitive and up-to-date information.