Extractions reimbursed by SZW
From now on, the RCN unit Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) reimburses tooth extractions for residents of Bonaire with a low income. This concerns people who earn no more than the minimum wage, who receive social relief or who have an AOV pension without other income. This is the outcome of discussions between the three dental practices on Bonaire and the SZW unit.
Residents of Bonaire aged 18 and up have to pay for the costs of extractions themselves. People in the lowest income category therefore sometimes postpone a visit to the dentist for toothache. By means of the special social relief, the SZW unit can assist residents with a low income with coverage of unexpected high costs. Until now this involved for example consumer goods such as a refrigerator or stove, or the costs of baby necessities. The costs of tooth extractions are now added to the special social relief.
Residents who suspect that they are entitled to this allowance can visit the SZW office during the social relief consultation hours. They must bring their bank statements and income statements. Those who are indeed eligible, will receive a declaration document from SZW. By showing this document, the dentists will not charge the costs of the extraction to the patient, but to the SZW unit.
People who receive social relief do not need aforementioned declaration document for tooth extractions. They can go directly to the dentist, who in his turn will check with the SZW unit whether the person is actually entitled to social relief.
The reimbursements for dental care from the Healthcare Insurance Office (ZVK) remain unchanged. For insured persons aged 18 and up, removable prostheses, treatments and surgical dental care are reimbursed. Children up to the age of 18 are entitled to the full package of dental care and oral care via ZVK.
Saba and St. Eustatius have their own form of dental care that isn’t linked to special social relief.