Cheque-dentista: who qualifies and how to use it on the Margem Sul

What is the cheque-dentista?

The cheque-dentista is how the Portuguese national health service provides oral healthcare to priority groups of the population, using private-sector dentists who take part in the Programa Nacional de Promoção da Saúde Oral (PNPSO, the national oral health promotion programme).

In practice, it is a personal voucher: the SNS issues the cheque in the patient's name, the patient chooses a participating clinic, and the dentist carries out the check-ups and treatments covered by that voucher — at no cost to the patient for the care it covers.

Who qualifies for the cheque-dentista?

Eligibility is defined by the SNS for priority groups. It currently covers:

• —Pregnant women followed within the SNS — during pregnancy and up to two months after the birth.
• —Children and young people aged 2 to 18 — with cover defined by age bracket, largely linked to the school pathway.
• —Older people receiving the Complemento Solidário para Idosos (CSI) — people aged 65 or over who receive this benefit.
• —People living with HIV/AIDS — SNS patients under clinical follow-up.
• —Patients being followed for early diagnosis or treatment of head and neck cancer.

How do you get the cheque-dentista?

The voucher is not requested at the dental clinic — it is issued by the SNS, and the route depends on which group you belong to. For pregnant women and the other adult groups, it is usually issued by the family doctor or the health centre; for children and young people, allocation is largely linked to the school and the programme's calendar.

If you think you may qualify but have not yet received the voucher, the simplest route is to confirm your eligibility with your health centre or through the SNS 24 line (808 24 24 24) — which can also issue the voucher. If in doubt, you can also call us: our reception team will explain the process for your case.

What does the cheque-dentista cover?

Each voucher covers a set of care defined by the programme — typically the check-up, the diagnosis and the preventive and restorative treatments provided for the group in question, such as treating tooth decay, scaling or applying sealants in children.

The number of vouchers allocated and the treatments covered vary depending on the group and the clinical situation. The participating dentist assesses the patient, carries out the care provided for and, if needed, refers the patient for additional vouchers under the terms of the programme.

Important: the cheque-dentista does not cover every possible treatment — treatments outside the scope of the programme (for example, orthodontics or implants) are quoted separately, with full transparency, and are never charged against the voucher.

How do you use the cheque-dentista at Fábrica do Sorriso?

All three Fábrica do Sorriso clinics take part in the PNPSO, with participating dentists who accept your voucher and handle all the paperwork. The process is simple:

• —1. Book and tell us the voucher type and expiry date. If you book online, confirm the participating practitioner and covered care with reception before the visit.
• —2. On the day, bring the voucher and an identity document.
• —3. The dentist carries out the check-up and the treatments covered by the voucher — we take care of the paperwork.
• —4. If care outside the scope of the voucher is needed, you receive a separate plan and quote, with no obligation.

• Prepare for your dental-voucher appointment

Where can you use the cheque-dentista in Almada, Seixal or Moita?

You can use your cheque-dentista at any of our clinics: Almada (also serving Cacilhas, Pragal, Cova da Piedade, Feijó and Seixal), Fernão Ferro (serving Seixal, Corroios, Sesimbra and Quinta do Conde) and Baixa da Banheira (serving Moita, Barreiro, Alhos Vedros and Vale da Amoreira).

We are open Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 19:00 — including school-friendly times for children's appointments.

The most common questions

Is the cheque-dentista really free?

Yes — for the care covered by the voucher, the patient pays nothing: the SNS pays the participating dentist directly. You would only pay for treatments outside the scope of the programme, and those are always quoted separately and with your prior agreement.

Can I use the cheque-dentista at any clinic?

No — only at clinics with dentists who take part in the national oral health promotion programme. All three Fábrica do Sorriso clinics (Almada, Fernão Ferro and Baixa da Banheira) take part.

My child received a cheque-dentista from school. What do I do?

Book an appointment at a participating clinic within the validity period shown on the voucher and bring it on the day, together with the child's identity document. The dentist carries out the assessment and the treatments provided for — and advises on any further vouchers under the programme.

Does the cheque-dentista have an expiry date?

Yes, each voucher has a use-by date shown on the document itself. If the deadline is approaching, call us — we prioritise the booking so you do not lose your entitlement to the voucher.

I am pregnant. How many cheques-dentista am I entitled to, and until when?

Pregnant women followed within the SNS are entitled to cheques-dentista during pregnancy and up to two months after the birth. The exact number and the issuing route are defined by the SNS — usually through the doctor following the pregnancy. Confirm with your health centre and book with us as soon as you have the voucher.