The key facts

  • Under an OMS policy, dental care can be received at private clinics operating within the OMS system.
  • The set of free services at private clinics may be limited.
  • The list of services is recommended to be checked with the insurance company or at the clinic's reception desk.

Free dental care not only at state clinics

Russians can receive dental care free of charge under their compulsory medical insurance (OMS) policy not only at state clinics but also at private ones — provided the latter participate in the compulsory medical insurance system. This was reported by RIA Novosti by Alexey Kurinny, member of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection. “Dental care under the policy can be obtained not only at state clinics but also at private ones — if they operate within the OMS system,” he said.

What to clarify before booking an appointment

According to Kurinny, even at private medical facilities operating within the OMS system, the set of dental services available free of charge under the policy may be limited. Therefore, before booking an appointment, he advised checking the list of services with your insurance company or directly at the clinic's reception desk. In practical terms, this means the patient should make sure in advance that the specific clinic is included in the OMS system and that the needed service is on the free list — otherwise the appointment may turn out to be paid.

Context: seasonal risk for teeth

In the same series of publications Anna Manuylova, a dental therapist at the Atribut clinic named the main threat to teeth during the heating season: dry air in heated rooms can contribute to dry mouth and increase the risk of cavities and gum inflammation. The reason, she explained, is the reduced protective role of saliva, which washes away food debris, neutralizes acids and helps restore enamel. Earlier, Russians were also told about three cases when a cavity can no longer be treated with a filling.