What is PADI and what does it cover in the Basque Country?

Updated on 20 May 2026 · by Clínica Dental Bizkaia

In short: PADI (the Children’s Dental Care Plan) is a public programme that provides free dental care to children aged 7 to 15 in the Basque Country, funded by Osakidetza (the Basque Health Service). It covers the annual check-up and basic treatments (fillings of permanent teeth, extractions, sealants, injuries). It is a right that many families do not take advantage of through lack of awareness.

What exactly is PADI?

It is a Basque public health programme that guarantees every child and teenager, from the age of 7 to 15, basic dental care at no cost to the family. The idea is simple and very valuable: looking after the mouth from a young age so they reach adulthood with healthy teeth.

It is run by Osakidetza (the Basque Health Service), and it is delivered both by public centres and by participating private clinics, from which families can choose. We also cover it on our PADI in Bilbao page.

What does it cover?

PADI includes, for permanent teeth:

Annual check-up of the mouth.
Fillings of permanent teeth.
Extractions when necessary.
Sealants on the molars to prevent decay (we cover this in sealants and fluoride).
Treatment of injuries (knocks to the teeth).

What does it NOT cover?

It is important to know this so there are no surprises:

Orthodontics (braces, Invisalign…): falls outside PADI.
Treatment of milk teeth, except emergencies.
Cosmetic treatments.

For those cases, the route is private; for example, orthodontics in children is assessed separately.

How do you use it?

Each year, families receive information about the programme. To use it, you simply book an appointment at a participating clinic, taking the child’s health card. There the check-up is carried out and, if needed, the covered treatments, at no cost.

Our advice

Make the most of it. It is an excellent programme that many people are unaware of or let slip by, and dental health in childhood shapes that of the adult. Besides, taking the child every year normalises the visit to the dentist and avoids fear in the future.

At the clinic we provide PADI care and explain to you what is and is not included in your child’s case. Book an appointment whenever you like.

Frequently asked questions

What is PADI?

PADI (the Children's Dental Care Plan) is a public programme that offers free dental care to children and teenagers aged 7 to 15 in the Basque Country. It covers the annual check-up and several basic treatments, and is funded by Osakidetza (the Basque Health Service).

What does PADI cover and what does it not?

It covers the annual check-up, fillings of permanent teeth, extractions, sealants and treatment for injuries. It does not cover orthodontics or treatment of milk teeth (beyond emergencies), which fall outside the programme.

How do you apply for PADI?

Each year, families receive information and can choose a dentist from the professionals signed up to the programme (public clinics and contracted private ones). You simply book an appointment at a participating clinic, taking the child's health card.