Why Early Dental Care Matters for Children

Establishing healthy dental habits during childhood can prevent major oral health problems later in life. While South Africa faces a high prevalence of dental caries among children, access to affordable private dental care remains a challenge for many families. Essential dental benefits as part of a health insurance plan make regular check-ups accessible-and help avoid costly emergencies. For families, having a plan that includes dental benefits for children brings reassurance and can support better long-term wellbeing.

Key Elements of Basic Dental Benefits for Kids

• Routine check-ups and oral assessments by healthcare practitioners
• Scale and polish for the prevention of tooth decay
• Basic extractions and fillings when diagnosed as necessary
• Fissure sealants and preventive care for eligible ages
• Education on brushing, flossing, and healthy diet choices

Plans such as Affinity Junior Cover offer these core dental benefits, giving parents peace of mind for their child’s oral healthcare throughout development.

Typical Dental Benefits for Children (Ages 0-17)

What Is Usually Not Included?

• Cosmetic procedures (such as whitening)
• Specialist orthodontics (fixed braces, aligners)
• Surgical procedures outside of a general practice setting

Reviewing your health insurance plan document is key for understanding all inclusions and exclusions.

How Children’s Dental Benefits Work in Practice

Children’s dental benefits under health insurance usually operate on a benefit limit or annual cap. These plans allow you to visit an approved healthcare provider for check-ups, cleanings, and restorative work, while knowing you’ll avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket payments. Costs for these essential dental services are typically included within the main day-to-day cover at budget-friendly premiums.

Premium Examples (2024)

For young children, the Affinity Junior Day-to-Day Plan starts from R260 per month, and a combined plan (day-to-day plus hospital) starts at R468 per month. Each provides dental benefits plus wider health benefits. Pricing is the same regardless of where you live.

Using Your Dental Benefits: Step-By-Step

1. Select a plan appropriate for your child – see detailed info on Affinity Junior Cover.
2. Locate a provider via the Affinity Health Provider Directory.
3. Attend your scheduled visit; standard procedures like check-ups, fillings, and cleanings are processed according to your cover limits.
4. Stay informed about included benefits and ask the healthcare practitioner for guidance on preventative routines at home.

Supporting Your Child’s Dental Wellbeing Everyday

• Encourage daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste under parent supervision
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals
• Use dental benefits to access yearly check-ups and receive ongoing education from your provider

When paired with the right health cover, your child’s oral health is protected at every stage. For comprehensive health support, consider combining dental benefits with a broader Affinity Health Combined Plan for greater peace of mind.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Junior Cover
• South African Government - Oral Healthcare for Children
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases - Oral Health Surveillance