Dutch dental practices
In the Netherlands, only university-trained dentists provide dental care. All dental practitioners are registered as health care professionals and licensed by the government. This is to be certain that your dentist has proficient expertise. Every 5 years, they are re-examined to prove they still have sufficient skills and knowledge. This policy, and strict hygiene regulations, help safeguard the quality of dental care in the Netherlands. In comparison to most countries, the Dutch dentistry is of a very high quality.
The Dutch and dentists
It is common in the Netherlands to regularly visit the dentist for a periodic check-up. More than three quarters of the Dutch population visit the dentist once or twice a year. During your check-up, your denture is checked for cavities, tartar, and gum disease. Thanks to regular visits, the Dutch ensure their denture is well maintained.
How they work
Dental care is a private business in the Netherlands. That means that there are no public dental clinics. In a Dutch dental practice there are usually one or more dentists, hygienists and assistants at work. As regular visits to a dentist are so common among the Dutch, many clinics have a waiting list and are unable to accept new patients. It is therefore recommendable to have your name put on the waiting list at several different clinics.
Dental insurance
In the Netherlands you can take out a basic insurance or a supplementary insurance to have dental costs covered. Your age is an important factor when it comes to a dental insurance.
Reimbursement of dental costs younger than 18 years
When you are younger than 18, the basic insurance covers common treatments. These include periodic check-ups, filling of cavities, removal of tartar and dental surgery. Less common treatments, such as orthodontics, teeth whitening, crowns, tooth bridges, and dental prostheses, are not covered by a basic insurance.
Reimbursement of dental costs 18 years and older
When you are 18 years or older you will most likely need a supplementary dental insurance to cover for the costs. The exact coverage within this type of insurance depends on your health insurer. When taking out a supplementary insurance, it is important to carefully consider the following aspects:
- Coverage: this determines the percentage that is reimbursed for a treatment. This percentage is on average between 75 and 100 per cent.
- Maximum annual reimbursement: Some supplementary dental insurances cover a maximum amount a year. This amount may vary between 150EUR and 1500EUR.
- Waiting period: some insurers work with a waiting period. It means that you need wait for a period of at least a year before you can benefit from high reimbursements.
- Acceptance conditions: some insurers want you to provide a dentist statement (tandartsverklaring). Your dentist is requested to answer a list of questions so your insurer can determine the condition of your denture. This statement is used to examine if you are eligible for a supplementary insurance.
Dentist rates
Each year, The Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) sets standard rates for dental services that are rendered by Dutch dentists. All dentists in the Netherlands are legally obliged to adhere to these rates. The NZa assigns a uniform code to all treatments so the insurer can easily determine the maximum reimbursement. If you have a supplementary insurance, your dentist directly sends your invoice to your insurer. Your insurer may send you an invoice when there is a remainder to pay. Always consult your insurer about the reimbursements in your situation prior to your treatment to avoid unexpected expenses. Here you can check the dentist rates.
Dental specialties
If you qualify for a specialist treatment, your dentist will send you to a specialist. These treatments include for example: dental surgery, orthodontics, periodontics (specialisation in gums), endodontics (root canal specialisation), implantology, and pediatric dentistry.
Finding a dentist
Now you know the most important aspects surrounding Dutch dentistry, it is time to look for the right dentist. Studentist performs high quality dental care with the most modern equipment. You get clear information on the rates of the services rendered and you can always rely on the cheapest treatment method. Studentist does not have a waiting list. You can be sure to get an appointment within a day.
