Cheque-Dentista: what it is, who is eligible in Portugal and how it works

Cheque-Dentista is part of Portugal's National Programme for Oral Health Promotion and gives eligible people access to preventive and treatment services provided by participating professionals. It is a Portuguese scheme, not a UK NHS entitlement. Issue, validity and treatment coverage depend on the scheme's rules and the voucher awarded.

What is Cheque-Dentista?

It is a document issued under Portugal's National Programme for Oral Health Promotion that gives access to certain dental care without payment by the patient, within the limits defined for the eligible group and the specific voucher. Treatment is provided by dentists participating in the scheme.

The voucher is not an unrestricted cash allowance and does not automatically cover every treatment. Clinical decisions, available procedures and the possible issue of further vouchers follow the applicable rules.

Who is eligible?

Portugal's Directorate-General of Health identifies several eligible groups, including children and young people at ages or in circumstances defined by the scheme, pregnant women receiving care through Portugal's National Health Service (SNS), recipients of the Complemento Solidário para Idosos (an income supplement for older people), people living with HIV and patients referred with suspected oral cancer.

Eligibility for the Portuguese scheme should not be assumed from age or health status alone. Check with the health unit responsible for your care whether you qualify for a voucher, as the criteria, referral pathways and number of vouchers may vary between groups.

How to obtain and use the voucher

1. Confirm eligibility: referral and voucher issue are handled through the services of Portugal's National Health Service (SNS) designated for each eligible group.
2. Check validity: check the date and details on the document before booking.
3. Choose a participating dentist: Portugal's Directorate-General of Health (DGS) provides a list of participating dentists.
4. Book your appointment directly: say that you wish to use Cheque-Dentista and bring the necessary identification.
5. Follow the agreed plan: after the assessment, your dentist explains the treatments covered and whether the scheme provides for further steps.

Which treatments are included?

Care may include prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral health problems. The exact coverage depends on the type of voucher, the needs identified at the appointment and the applicable rules. Dentures, implants, orthodontics and cosmetic procedures should not be assumed to be covered without explicit confirmation.

Using Cheque-Dentista at Clínica Prisma

Clínica Prisma Coimbra participates in Portugal's Cheque-Dentista scheme. When booking, have your voucher number or document to hand so that we can confirm its validity and prepare for your appointment. The clinic's participation does not replace the need for a voucher to be issued beforehand by Portugal's National Health Service (SNS).

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose the clinic?

Yes. A valid voucher can be used with a participating dentist in accordance with the Portuguese scheme's rules.

Do I have to pay for the covered treatments?

Not for procedures specifically covered by the voucher. Any treatment outside the scheme must be explained and quoted for separately before it is carried out.

Does the voucher cover all dental problems?

Not necessarily. Coverage depends on the eligible group, the voucher issued and the clinical assessment.

What happens if the voucher has expired?

The clinic cannot use it. Contact the unit of Portugal's National Health Service (SNS) that issued it to find out whether it can be revalidated or a new referral made.

For children's dental care, also see the page on Paediatric dentistry.