Universal Dental Care for Children

In March 2008, ACRI, in partnership with the Tel Aviv University Law Clinic and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, submitted a petition to the Supreme Court demanding that the State force local authorities to provide free comprehensive dental care to school-aged children, as stated in government regulations. Today, only 30% of local authorities provide children with regular dental check-ups and treatment; this engenders unlawful discrimination among children in their access to health care based on their place of residence. In addition, numerous reports published in recent years have warned of the long-term damage caused to children in Israel as a result of the absence of minimal investment in preventive dental treatment. The petition is currently pending.