Recklinghausen dental care: Only half of children use preventive services

In the Recklinghausen district, only approximately half of AOK-insured children and adolescents between the ages of six and 17 utilized regular preventive dental care in 2025. According to data released by AOK NordWest in observance of Dental Health Day, 7,901 young people attended their scheduled examinations, representing a rate of 51.6 percent.

Jörg Kock, service region manager at AOK NordWest, emphasized that there is significant room for improvement, noting that continuous dental visits are essential for lifelong oral health. The health insurance provider is appealing to parents to ensure these regular check-ups are performed.

Preventive care begins with the first tooth, with children entitled to six early detection examinations between six months and six years of age. From age six, statutory health insurance covers preventive examinations twice a year, as well as the sealing of permanent molars until the age of 18.