Debunking Dutch dental myths: some common misunderstandings

In the Netherlands it is customary to have your teeth checked by a dentist once a year and cleaned professionally once or twice, although much depends on the condition of your teeth. Do dentists all charge different prices? Are children’s check-ups really free? And is dental insurance worth it? Here are seven dental myths debunked with help from Lassus Tandartsen.

Dental practices in the Netherlands are run by the state.
Not true. Almost every dental practice in the Netherlands is privately owned, although dentists have to be registered with the government. Many are small operations consisting of one or two dentists and a nurse, but some are much larger, offering more complex services, and may have multiple locations and specialisms.

Different dentists charge different fees
Not true. All fees for standard treatment in the Netherlands are set by the Dutch healthcare authority, the NZa. This means the cost of a basic check-up, an x-ray, or a filling is the same wherever you go.

The basic check-up always costs the same – €26.75 at current rates. What may differ is what treatment your dentist or dental hygienist carries out. One dentist might go for a quick fix, while another might opt for a more in-depth preventive oral care plan, which involves higher costs.

Lassus Tandartsen, which specialises in providing dental services to expats, has a complete list of all the fees on its website.

You have to pay to have your children’s teeth checked
Not true. Basic healthcare for all children under the age of 18 is free in the Netherlands – whatever needs doing or whatever your income level. And even though dentistry is not covered in the basic health insurance policy for adults, children are. So an annual check-up and clean for your offspring will cost you nothing at all.

However, if your children have crooked teeth which are likely to cause problems, you will have to pay for specialist orthodontics. Lassus Tandartsen offers a specialist service for children, from advice on fluoride to braces.

Dental insurance is not worth it for adults
It all depends on your personal circumstances. You should first have an intake meeting with a dentist to assess your oral health and create a treatment plan – if you need any. Based on this, you can decide whether dental insurance is worthwhile for your own situation.

If your teeth are in good condition and you are not expected to need expensive treatment, it is often cheaper to pay for dental care yourself instead of paying for insurance. By the way, dental health insurance also sets a limit on the amount you are reimbursed each year, usually ranging from €250 to €1,000.

You should floss after brushing your teeth
Not true – you should floss first. When you brush your teeth, you are only reaching about 60% of the tooth surface but flossing, or using inter-dental brushes first removes debris from between your teeth, allowing your brush to be more effective.

The harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be
Not true. Brushing your teeth too hard can end up damaging your gums and lead to them receding. An electric toothbrush will make sure that you don’t brush too hard because it controls the pressure.

Professional cleaning is only necessary if you have poor dental health
Not true. Cleaning is about preventing you from developing problems with your teeth in the future. Lassus Tandartsen recommends clients have their teeth cleaned professionally twice a year. Regular preventive care helps prevent dental problems before they develop into more costly issues.

Remember too that a professional clean is not an excuse not to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Prevention is better than cure.

Lassus Tandartsen employs multilingual dentists and dental practitioners and is open 365 days a year and in the evenings. It operates three branches in Amsterdam and one each in Lelystad, Tilburg, and The Hague, making dental care easy to access and convenient to fit into your schedule. Check out the website or call directly on 020 47 137 13 to book an appointment.