Dental Care in the Netherlands: Complete Guide for Expats

Moving to the Netherlands means adapting to a new healthcare system, including dental care. For expats living in Rotterdam, Schiedam, and surrounding areas, it is important to understand how dental care works in order to avoid unexpected costs and maintain good oral health in the long term.

The Dutch dental care system is modern, transparent, and strongly focused on prevention.

In this guide, you will learn everything expats need to know about dental insurance, costs, emergency care, and how to find a dentist in the Netherlands.

---

Is dental care covered by insurance in the Netherlands?

Dental coverage in the Netherlands depends on your age and your health insurance.

Dental care for children under 18 is covered by basic insurance

One of the key advantages of the Dutch healthcare system is that dental care for children under 18 is covered by the basic health insurance.

This typically includes: regular dental check-ups, professional dental cleaning, fillings, X-rays, root canal treatments, preventive dental care. This allows children to receive most dental treatments without additional costs.

This preventive approach helps maintain good oral health from an early age.

---

Dental care for adults is generally not covered by basic insurance

For adults, routine dental care is generally not covered by basic insurance.

This means that most treatments are paid directly by the patient, including: dental check-ups, professional dental cleaning, fillings, crowns, implants, aligner treatments.

Dental costs in the Netherlands are regulated nationally, ensuring transparent and standardized pricing.

---

Many insurance policies cover dental trauma

Many health insurance providers offer partial or full coverage for dental treatments following accidents.

This may include: sports injuries, falls, tooth fractures, other traumatic incidents. This coverage helps reduce unexpected costs in emergency situations.

---

Additional dental insurance (supplementary insurance)

To avoid unexpected expenses and better distribute dental costs over time, many people in the Netherlands choose additional dental insurance.

This insurance provides an annual budget for dental treatments. Typical coverage ranges from €250 per year up to €1000 or more per year. The appropriate level of coverage depends on your oral health and expected treatments.

Additional insurance makes preventive care more accessible and helps manage dental expenses more effectively.

Why preventive dental care is important in the Netherlands

Preventive dentistry plays a central role in the Dutch healthcare system.

Regular dental check-ups allow early detection of problems such as: tooth decay, gum disease, infections, structural damage. Early treatment is simpler, more comfortable, and less expensive. Prevention helps avoid more complex treatments in the future.

---

How often should you visit the dentist?

Most patients in the Netherlands visit the dentist every 6 to 12 months.

The recommended frequency depends on: oral hygiene, gum health, medical history, previous dental treatments.

Your dentist will provide personalized recommendations based on your individual situation.

---

Emergency dental care in the Netherlands

Emergency dental care is well organized in the Netherlands. Organizations such as Dental365 offer emergency treatments in the evenings and during weekends.

An emergency dentist can: relieve pain, treat infections, stabilize acute dental problems.

However, emergency care is usually a temporary solution. If you plan to stay in the Netherlands long term, it is advisable to have a regular dentist for prevention and ongoing care.

---

Modern dentistry in the Netherlands

Dental clinics in the Netherlands use modern technology to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Digital dentistry makes it possible to:

• provide accurate diagnoses
• improve treatment planning
• perform safer procedures
• achieve better long-term results

Technologies such as digital scanners and 3D imaging increase the accuracy and safety of dental treatments.

---

How to find a dentist in the Netherlands as an expat

Expats often prefer a dental clinic that offers: communication in English, transparent treatment plans, modern technology, a convenient location, professional and personalized care.

Having a regular dentist ensures continuity of care and faster assistance when needed.

---

Dentist for expats in Rotterdam and Schiedam

For expats living in Rotterdam and surrounding areas, having an easily accessible dental clinic is essential.

3D Tandarts is a modern dental clinic located inside Schiedam Centrum station, just minutes from Rotterdam.

The clinic offers: communication in English, modern digital diagnostics, preventive and restorative treatments, excellent accessibility by train and metro, personalized treatment planning.

This makes the clinic particularly suitable for expats and professionals.

---

Conclusion

Dental care in the Netherlands is modern, transparent, and prevention-oriented.

Key points to remember: dental care for children under 18 is covered by basic insurance, dental care for adults is generally not covered by basic insurance, many insurance policies cover dental trauma, additional insurance helps manage dental costs, regular check-ups help prevent serious dental problems.

Understanding the Dutch dental care system helps expats maintain optimal oral health. Having a regular dentist ensures continuity of care, prevention, and peace of mind.

---

Why choose 3D Tandarts?

At 3D Tandarts, we combine modern digital dentistry with clear communication in English and a highly accessible location inside Schiedam Centrum station, near Rotterdam. This makes our clinic particularly suitable for expats seeking reliable, high-quality dental care for the long term.