Visit a dentist

Visiting a dentist in the Netherlands

Claire LangenhoffExpert Zorgverzekeringen

30-03-2018

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22-07-2026

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5 min leestijd

Wouter Heuvelink

Gecontroleerd door onze zorgexpert

Visiting a dentist in the Netherlands works differently than in many other countries: routine dental care for adults is not covered by the basic health insurance (basisverzekering), so most people take out a supplementary dental insurance or pay the dentist themselves. The good news: dental rates are fixed by the government, so every dentist charges the same price for the same treatment — a regular check-up costs € 28,83 in 2026. Children under 18 get almost all dental care for free through the basic insurance. On this page you can read how to register with a dentist, what treatments cost and when dental insurance pays off.

How do you register with a dentist?

You register directly at a dental practice of your choice — there are no waiting lists or referral requirements, and you are free to pick any practice, usually one close to home or work. Simply call or use the practice’s website; you’ll need your citizen service number (BSN) and, if you have one, your insurance details. In larger cities, many practices are used to international patients and communicate in English. Keep in mind that popular practices sometimes have a patient stop (patiëntenstop) and don’t accept new patients; in that case, try another practice nearby.

Is dental care covered by Dutch health insurance?

For adults (18+), routine dental care — check-ups, cleaning, fillings — is not covered by the basic health insurance. You either pay the dentist yourself or take out a supplementary dental insurance (aanvullende tandartsverzekering). There are two exceptions where the basic insurance does pay: surgical treatments by an oral surgeon (kaakchirurg) after a referral, and full dentures (with a personal contribution). For children under 18, the basic insurance covers almost all dental care for free: check-ups, cleaning, fillings and extractions. Orthodontics (braces) is the big exception — that requires supplementary insurance. Since children are covered by your own policy without extra premium, registering your child with a dentist costs you nothing. Want to know which insurance covers what? See our overview of the types of health insurance in the Netherlands.

What does a dentist cost in the Netherlands in 2026?

Dental rates are set by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa), so every dentist in the Netherlands charges exactly the same for the same treatment. These are the fixed rates for common treatments in 2026:

• First consultation (new patient) – € 57,66

• Periodic check-up – € 28,83

• Dental cleaning (per 5 minutes) – € 17,01

• Filling (white/composite) – € 60,69 / € 121,38

A typical yearly pattern of two check-ups and a cleaning session costs roughly € 100 without insurance. Prices for larger treatments, such as root canals or crowns, are also fixed but considerably higher; your dentist must give you a cost estimate (begroting) for treatments above € 250.

Do you need supplementary dental insurance?

That depends on your teeth and your budget — it’s a calculation, not a must. A supplementary dental insurance typically costs between € 10 and € 30 per month and covers 75% to 100% of your dental bills up to a yearly maximum. If you only expect two check-ups and a cleaning per year (about € 100), a policy of € 15 per month (€ 180 per year) costs more than it pays out.

Dental insurance becomes interesting when you expect fillings or other treatments, or simply want to avoid surprise bills. You can add a dental package to any Dutch health insurance; insurers usually accept you directly for the basic packages, while very extensive packages may ask health questions first. Compare health insurance in the Netherlands to see which dental packages fit your situation.

How does reimbursement work?

Most dentists send the bill directly to your health insurer. With a supplementary dental insurance, the insurer pays its share automatically and you only receive a bill for the part you pay yourself. Some practices work with a billing company (such as Infomedics): you then receive the bill at home, pay it, and the insured part is settled with your insurer — or you declare it yourself via your insurer’s app or website.

Deductible (eigen risico). For dental care from a supplementary insurance you never pay the deductible: the € 385 deductible (2026) only applies to care from the basic insurance. That means it does apply to the exceptions covered by the basic insurance, such as treatment by an oral surgeon.

What if you need a dentist urgently?

For acute dental problems — severe pain, a broken tooth after an accident — contact your own dental practice first; most reserve time for emergencies. Outside office hours, every region has an emergency dental service (spoedgevallendienst); your practice’s voicemail or website tells you which number to call. Emergency treatment is charged at the same fixed NZa rates, and your supplementary dental insurance covers it like any other treatment.