5 things to know before going to the dentist in the Netherlands

Article provided by Lassus Tandartsen, an IN Amsterdam partner

If you’ve recently moved to the Netherlands, you’ve probably been busy finding a job, somewhere to live, and sorting out all your official matters. Next on the list? Time to find a dentist.

Thankfully, this couldn’t be easier. The quality of dentistry in the Netherlands is excellent, and all dentists are government-registered, with fixed prices for treatments and dental work mostly covered by health insurance. But saying that, there are still a few things to ask yourself before booking your first appointment.

Am I eligible for dental care in the Netherlands?

The short answer is – yes! If you live in the Netherlands, you can access the country’s high-quality dental care and choose any dentist you wish. Dentistry in the Netherlands is private, but health insurance is mandatory, and even the most basic packages will cover dental surgery for adults (as well as all dental care for children up to the age of 18). Which brings us to…

Does my insurance package cover all dental work?

This depends, and it’s worth being fully clued up on before you call up for that appointment.  As mentioned above, basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering or basispakket) will fully cover all dentistry for children up to the age of 18, as well as dental surgery for all adults, which is carried out in hospitals. (Do take note whether your policy stipulates you need to pay an excess.) For all other dental work, such as hygienist appointments or corrective work, you can opt to take out additional insurance (aanvullende verzekering). What’s covered by your dental insurance can vary between providers, so check your policy terms or contact your insurer to see what yours includes.

How do I choose a dentist in Amsterdam?

Your teeth are important, so finding the right dental practice is too. All dentists in the Netherlands have had to follow the same, thorough training to qualify, and they need to comply with government regulations – so you can relax in the knowledge that your teeth will be in good hands whoever you choose, and focus on more practical issues such as size of practice, opening hours, specialisms and clear communication. The dentist of your choice does not need to be nearby your home, although you may prefer it that way for practicality.

Here are some questions you may want to think about while researching dentists in Amsterdam:

• Do the staff speak English (or any other second languages) well?
• Does the practice employ a variety of specialists, meaning that you can get all of your dental work carried out under one roof?
• Is the practice open seven days a week, including evenings and on public holidays? This is particularly important in case of emergencies. You may also want to ask if they offer same-day appointments for urgent cases.
• Does the practice have several dentists, so you could always get an appointment at short notice?

Can I find an English-speaking dentist?

Clear communication is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a dental practice. You may well be committed to learning Dutch, and yes, most Dutch people do speak English well, but when it comes to your teeth you really don’t want to leave any room for miscommunication. Choosing a practice with high-quality English information on their website is a good start – and it’s even better if they have a solid reputation amongst non-Dutch speaking internationals, so don’t be afraid to ask around and read reviews.

How much does dental work in the Netherlands cost?

Here’s the best part – dental prices in the Netherlands are standardised across the board by the Dutch Healthcare Authority, so even though your sleek, modern private dental practice may look expensive, dentists in the Netherlands are actually far more affordable than in other countries. As a result, there are no unpleasant surprises when it comes to your dental bill. All dentists publish a price list for treatments, and some (like Lassus Tandartsen) will even offer the price list in English, so there really can be no confusion. When it comes to costlier treatments, it’s even mandatory by law to give an estimate for treatments above 250 euros.

Lassus Tandartsen is the dental practice of choice for many international residents in Amsterdam. With three high-end, modern practices in the city and years of experience with international clients, Lassus understands that visiting a dentist in the Netherlands may be different to seeing one back home, and are happy to answer any questions you may have about dental care.

Find out more about Lassus Tandartsen.