THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN SLOVAKIA AND ITS DENTAL COMPONENT: EXPERIENCE FOR UKRAINE

Abstract

The article analyzes the modern healthcare system of the Slovak Republic with a focus on the organization of dental care. Reforming Ukraine’s healthcare system requires consideration of the experience of Central and Eastern European countries that have transitioned from post-socialist models towards systems based on universal healthcare coverage, mandatory health insurance, and regulated competition among healthcare providers. In this context, the experience of the Slovak Republic is particularly relevant. The aim of this article is to analyze Slovakia’s healthcare system and its dental care component, as well as to identify opportunities for applying the Slovak experience to the modernization of dental care in Ukraine. Materials and methods. The study employed methods of systems analysis and comparative analysis, as well as the synthesis of regulatory documents from the Slovak Republic and Ukraine, analytical materials from the European Commission, the OECD, and the WHO, and scientific publications regarding healthcare organization and dentistry. Results and discussion. Financing mechanisms, the role of health insurance, the structure of dental services, preventive measures, and accessibility of dental care for the population are examined. The key elements of the Slovak model that can be adapted in Ukraine in the context of healthcare reform and integration into the European healthcare area are identified. The expediency of developing insurance-based dentistry, preventive programs, digitalization, and professional self-governance of dentists is substantiated. Conclusions. For Ukraine, the most promising areas for adopting the Slovak experience include: creating a basic dental insurance package; developing systemic preventive care programs for children and adults; integrating dental care into the unified electronic healthcare system; strengthening the role of professional self-governance; introducing financial incentives for preventive check-ups. Implementing these measures will help improve access to dental care, reduce the prevalence of dental diseases, and bring the Ukrainian healthcare system closer to European standards.