Dental Care

You are free to choose any dentist (tandarts),a referral is not needed. You will find lists of dentists in your city on the internet under “Tandartsen”. If you prefer another dentist, you are free to change.

The basic health insurance policies do not cover dental expenses for people over 18. Special dental insurance policies are available. You should always check your insurance policy before starting non-routine treatment, such as crowns or orthodontic treatment. Children under 18 are covered for almost all dental care under the basic Dutch health insurance and therefor free of charge.

After you have registered with a dentist, he or she will generally contact you for a check-up every 6-12 months. Dentists perform most routine procedures themselves. Anesthesia is usually only given upon request, and dental cleaning is not part of the basic treatment. A hygienist (mondhygienist), normally a separate entity from the dentist, may do dental cleaning or other minor dental procedures.

For emergency care outside normal hours, call your dentist. You will hear a message (in Dutch) giving you the name and number of the dentist on duty in your area. There is generally emergency care available during off hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Local newspapers publish the schedule each week.

The cost of dental procedures are each year determined by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa). You can find a list of procedures and associated costs at tandarts.nl (in Dutch).

For more information regarding dental treatments and codes, see www.allesoverhetgebit.nl