As an expat living in Amsterdam nieuw-west, you are welcome in our clinic. We have English-speaking staff and are able to explain all treatments and carry out checkups in English too. We have lots of experience providing dental care to expats in Amsterdam.
DENTAL CARE IN THE NETHERLANDS. USEFUL INFORMATION FOR EXPATS
In the Netherlands, dental care is provided by university-educated dentists, all of whom are government-registered. The quality of care, also in comparison with other countries, is outstanding. The Dutch visit their dentist on a regular basis – approximately 85% go once or twice a year. As a result, only a relatively small percentage of the population has badly cared-for teeth.
TYPES OF PRACTICES
Almost all dental practices in the Netherlands are private, there are no state practices. Most of them are modest undertakings with one dentist and one assistant. In the larger cities, there are larger practices consisting of several dentists, a number of assistants and dental hygienists. Such a structure allows the practice to diversify its services. Many practices in the Netherlands are full and, therefore, unable to take on new patients.
INSURANCE
Dentistry is privatized in the Netherlands, i.e. the patient is responsible for the payment of the costs of the treatment, not the insurance company. However, under Dutch basic health insurance, the insurance company will fully cover all costs of dentistry for children up to the age of 18. However, a number of insurance companies have set a price ceiling since 2023. All other dental care, which constitutes the majority of care provided, can only be insured when you have supplementary insurance. This supplementary insurance can cover up to 75% of the costs. For the exact coverage, please check the policy terms or contact your insurer.
SPECIALISMS
In the Netherlands, all regular dental specialities can be found. The best-known are oral surgeons, usually affiliated with a hospital, and orthodontists, who usually have private practices. Moreover, the number of periodontists (who specializes in gums), endodontist (root canal specialists), implantologists and children’s dentists is steadily growing. Patients are referred to these specialists by regular dentists. A growing number of Dutch dentists employ the services of a dental hygienist, but in the larger cities in particular, there are also separate dental hygienist practices. Patients can visit these practices without a referral from their dentists. At Dental Practice Johan Huizingalaan, we are able to carry out most treatments in-house at our location.
OTHER ISSUES OF INTEREST
All dentists in the Netherlands must comply with the rules on hygiene as set out by the Dutch government. Most dentists will give a local anaesthetic before a painful treatment. Nitrous oxide is seldom used; when it is used, it is only used by a limited number of specialized dentists.
RATES
Rates are determined by the Dutch healthcare authority (Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit NZa) and the Minister of Health. This means that prices are the same at all dental practices in the Netherlands.
