The Social Democrats are allocating approximately half a billion kronor to free dental care for young people in their upcoming budget proposal. The party announced this at a press conference.
The announcement is a response to the government's decision in their autumn budget to abolish free dental care for young people between 19 and 23 years old as early as next year. They are also reducing the increased dental care allowance for young people between 24 and 29.
In a time of high interest rates, rents, and food prices, where people have less money in their pockets, the government is choosing to make it more expensive for young people to visit the dentist. When we introduced free dental care up to 23, it was to enable young people to lay the foundation for good oral health and prevent serious problems, says Fredrik Lundh Sammeli (S), vice chairman of the social committee, at the press conference.
He says it's a misguided decision to make dental care more expensive for young people in the current economic situation.
We want young people to continue to be able to visit the dentist. It's more important than high-income earners being able to put money aside.
