PABIJ Aragón: free oral health care for children aged 6 to 14

Caring for dental health during childhood is key to ensuring a healthy set of teeth in adulthood. With this goal in mind, the Health Department of the Government of Aragón launched the PABIJ (Children's and Youth Oral Health Care Programme), a public initiative that offers free oral health care to the community's children. In this article we explain what the PABIJ in Aragón involves, who it is aimed at and what services it includes, so that families in Zaragoza are aware of all their rights.

What is the PABIJ Aragón?

The PABIJ is a programme run by the Aragonese public health system focused on the oral health care of permanent teeth. It is aimed at children and young people in order to prevent and treat the most common dental problems at these ages, such as cavities or developmental disorders of the permanent teeth.

Its philosophy is essentially preventive: acting in time on newly erupted permanent teeth helps to avoid more complex treatments in the future and contributes to forming healthy hygiene habits from childhood. You can consult the official programme information on the Public Health portal of the Government of Aragón (aragon.es), where the current conditions and service catalogue are listed. We always recommend verifying the details at the official source, as the services may be updated.

Who is it aimed at?

The programme is designed for children aged 6 to 14 (both inclusive) who are residents of Aragón and hold a health card from the Aragonese Health Service. This age range coincides with the period in which the permanent teeth appear and settle in, the ideal time for monitoring and early intervention.

What services does the programme include?

According to the PABIJ service catalogue, the programme covers the following actions on the permanent teeth:

• Annual oral health check-up and examination to detect cavities and other problems, with a diagnosis of the state of the mouth.
• Application of fissure sealants on the permanent molars to prevent the appearance of cavities.
• Treatment of cavities (fillings) on permanent teeth.
• Pulp treatments (root canals) on permanent teeth when necessary.
• Extractions of permanent teeth in cases that require it.
• Oral hygiene education and instructions for the child and their family.

It is important to note that the programme focuses exclusively on the permanent teeth, so treatments on baby teeth (deciduous teeth) are not included, except in specific situations linked to a permanent tooth. Nor does it cover orthodontic or cosmetic treatments, which fall outside the public service catalogue.

How do you access the PABIJ?

Access to the programme is through the professionals of the public health system. Families can find out at their health centre about the dentists registered with the PABIJ and request the corresponding check-ups. In some cases, the oral health units themselves contact families to schedule the annual visits.

Documentation required

Generally, it is enough to present the child's health card. It is advisable to attend the check-ups regularly, since the annual frequency allows monitoring the development of the teeth and acting immediately should any problem arise.

The importance of prevention in childhood

The ages of 6 to 14 are decisive for future dental health. During this period the first permanent molars erupt and the change of teeth is completed. Good hygiene, a balanced diet and regular check-ups significantly reduce the risk of cavities and other disorders.

Instilling correct brushing, limiting sugar consumption and keeping up dental visits turn oral health into a habit that will accompany the child throughout life. Early monitoring also makes it easier to detect alterations in the bite or alignment of the teeth that, later on, could be assessed with solutions such as invisible orthodontics.

Beyond the PABIJ: family dental follow-up

The public programme is an excellent starting point, but it does not cover all the dental needs that may arise. Aspects such as orthodontics, certain additional preventive treatments or consultations for occasional discomfort usually require care at a dental clinic. Regular paediatric dentistry check-ups help to complement the public coverage with more frequent and personalised monitoring.

In the event of sudden pain, a blow or a broken tooth, it is essential to act quickly. In those cases, having a trusted dental emergency service makes the difference, both for the little ones and for the adults in the family.

Caring for your children's smile in Zaragoza

The PABIJ in Aragón is a valuable tool for protecting the dental health of the community's children, but ongoing professional support reinforces those good habits. At NÔRAÍ Klinikë Dental, at Avenida del Puente del Pilar, 29 (Zaragoza), next to the Las Fuentes area and well connected to the city centre, we help families complement public care with check-ups, hygiene advice and personalised treatments.

If you would like a professional to assess your children's oral health or to clear up any questions about their care, book an appointment at our clinic in Zaragoza through the form or by phone. We will be delighted to accompany you at every stage to keep smiles healthy for many years.

Content created and reviewed by the dental team of NÔRAÍ Klinikë Dental (Zaragoza), made up of dentists registered with the College of Dentists and Stomatologists of Aragón. This information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a professional consultation or the official information of the Government of Aragón.

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