How Dentists Work in the Netherlands for International Students (2026 Guide)

In short

Going to the dentist in the Netherlands works differently than in many other countries. Dental care is not automatically included in Dutch health insurance, you usually need to register with a dental practice yourself, and costs can come as a surprise if you are not insured. This guide explains how the system works, what to expect, and how to avoid unnecessary stress or bills as an international student.

Common struggles international students face

• Not knowing that dental care is separate from basic health insurance

• Confusion about when you need a referral (spoiler: usually not)

• Unexpected invoices after an appointment

• Not knowing where to go in case of a dental emergency

• Difficulty understanding Dutch dental codes and prices

If this sounds familiar, you are definitely not alone.

How the Dutch dental system works

1. Dentists are private practices

Most dentists in the Netherlands work in private dental clinics (tandartspraktijk). You choose and register with one yourself; you are not automatically assigned a dentist.

You can register even if you do not need immediate treatment, which is strongly recommended.

2. No referral needed

Unlike hospital specialists, you do not need a GP referral to see a dentist. You can contact a dental practice directly to make an appointment.

3. Dental care is not in basic insurance

The basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) does not cover dental care for adults (18+).

To get coverage, you need additional dental insurance (aanvullende tandartsverzekering). Many students choose not to take this and pay out of pocket instead.

Registering with a dentist as a student

How to find a dentist

• Google Maps: search for tandarts + your city

• Ask classmates, housing platforms, or student associations

• Some universities provide lists of nearby healthcare providers

Check if the practice:

• Accepts new patients

• Speaks English

• Works with your insurance provider

What you need to register

Usually:

• Valid ID

• Dutch address

• Health insurance details (if you have dental insurance)

Some practices allow online registration forms.

Costs and prices: what to expect

Dentists in the Netherlands use fixed national dental codes set by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa). Prices are standardized.

Examples (indicative):

• Intake/check-up: €25–€40

• Dental cleaning (10–20 minutes): €20–€45

• X-ray: €15–€25

• Filling: €70–€130 (depending on size)

If treatment costs more than €250, the dentist must give you a cost estimate beforehand.

Dental insurance: do you need it?

Whether dental insurance is worth it depends on your situation.

Dental insurance may be useful if:

• You expect fillings, cleanings, or ongoing treatment

• You wear braces or retainers

• You want predictable monthly costs

Paying out of pocket may be better if:

• You only go for occasional check-ups

• You rarely need dental treatment

Important: dental insurance often has annual coverage limits (for example €250–€750 per year).

Dental emergencies in the Netherlands

During office hours

Call your registered dentist first.

Evenings, nights, or weekends

Search for a spoedtandarts (emergency dentist) in your region. Many regions have a shared emergency dental service.

Emergency dental care is usually more expensive, and you may have to pay upfront.

What happens after your appointment

• You usually receive the bill after the appointment, not immediately

• If insured, the dentist sends the invoice to your insurer first

• Any uncovered amount is sent to you

• Payment is often required within 14–30 days

Do not ignore dental bills; unpaid invoices can lead to collection fees.

Common mistakes students make

• Assuming dental care is included in basic insurance

• Only looking for a dentist when there is pain

• Not checking if the dentist speaks English

• Skipping regular check-ups and ending up with higher costs later

• Forgetting to update address or insurance details

Practical example

Anna, an international student in Utrecht, skipped dental insurance to save money. After six months, she needed a filling and a cleaning, costing around €160. This was still cheaper than paying monthly dental insurance premiums for a year.

Meanwhile, David had recurring dental issues and braces. For him, dental insurance saved hundreds of euros.

There is no one-size-fits-all choice.

Glossary

• Tandarts – Dentist

• Tandartspraktijk – Dental clinic

• Spoedtandarts – Emergency dentist

• Aanvullende verzekering – Additional insurance

• NZa – Dutch Healthcare Authority

Sources

• Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa)

• Government of the Netherlands – Healthcare and insurance

• Dutch dental associations

Final tip for international students

Register with a dentist as soon as you arrive, even if you feel fine. It saves stress, time, and often money when you actually need care.