Dentists & Dental care in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, dentistry is privatised with over 5000 practises throughout the Netherlands.
Dental work is not covered under basic insurance (with the exception of children under 18) but most insurers do offer ‘add-ons’ for your insurance package to cover dental work, although usually up to a maximum amount per year.

Finding a dentist

Traditionally, dentists (or tandarts in Dutch) will run their own practise or sometimes 2 or 3 dentists will work together. While there are many practises around, finding one that is not full can be difficult, especially if you are looking for a dentist who is fluent in English.

To find dentists local to you visit www.tandarts.nl or check the yellow pages (gouden gids) and look under ‘tandartsen’. You can also go online to the Independer website (www.independer.nl/tandarts/) to find a dentist near your home.

Dental care costs

As I mentioned, dental cover is not covered by most basic insurance packages, but dental care for children under 18 years of age is covered and specialist dental care, such as surgery is covered by basic insurance. If you have health insurance through your employer, check with them what dental coverage is included.

You can opt to take out additional insurance to cover dental bills. This usually covers up to 75% of the dental bill, and usually has a maximum coverage per year, ranging from 200 euros to 1000 euros, so be sure to take out enough coverage for the state of your teeth. Unlike health insurance, if you wish to increase your dental coverage in the future you will need proof from your dentist that there is no expectant work in the coming months, else insurers do not have to approve the increase in coverage.

Since 2014 dental treatment costs have been set by the government and are the same for all dental surgeries. You can see the current rates on www.tandarts.nl.

Visiting your dentist

To make an appointment you can call the dentist. If it is for a check up appointment you can expect to get get an appointment within a few weeks, but if you have pain and need treatment sooner, tell the assistant to get an earlier appointment.

It is also good to note that some dental insurances require you to have a control appointment every 6 months, else your insurance may be invalid.

Dental treatment

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.

You should always check your insurance policy before starting non-routine treatment, such as crowns or orthodontic treatment.

Having trouble finding a dentist? Contact International Welcome Center North and see how they may be able to help. Visit the website: www.iwcn.nl