How to choose a dentist in Amsterdam
Dutch dental care is privatized, so there is no public dental service to default to and no single body assigning you a practice.
Many Amsterdam practices are small, one dentist plus an assistant, though larger clinics with several dentists, hygienists and dental assistants are increasingly common. Demand is high enough that some practices keep a waiting list, so it is normal to register with more than one at the same time and go with whichever takes you first.
Beyond availability, weigh location against your own street, whether the practice is used to English-speaking patients, and whether it separates routine check-ups from cleaning, since a Dutch mondhygienist handles cleaning as a separate appointment you can usually book directly. If cost matters more than convenience, our guide to choosing a dentist in Amsterdam goes deeper into what to ask before you register.
Questions people ask
Is dental care covered by Dutch health insurance?
Basic Dutch health insurance does not cover dental care once you turn 18, aside from procedures performed in a hospital setting, such as certain dental surgery.
Many residents add supplementary dental insurance on top of their basic policy to cover part of the cost; check exactly what percentage and up to what amount before assuming you are covered.
What is covered for children under 18?
For anyone under 18, basic health insurance covers common treatments including check-ups, fillings, teeth cleaning and dental surgery.
It typically does not cover orthodontics, crowns, bridges or cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, so ask the practice which category a recommended treatment falls into.
Do I need a referral to see a dental hygienist or specialist?
You can book a mondhygienist (dental hygienist) directly for cleaning, without going through your dentist first.
Specialists such as a periodontist, endodontologist or implantologist are different: your regular dentist refers you to them rather than you booking directly.
How do I find a dentist taking new patients?
Start with the listings on this page and check each practice's own site or call ahead, since availability changes and some practices hold waiting lists for new registrations.
Because demand is high, registering with more than one practice at once is common practice while you wait to hear back.
How often should I go for a check-up?
Most people in the Netherlands see a dentist for a check-up once or twice a year, where the dentist examines for cavities, tartar and gum disease.
Routine cleaning is generally treated as a separate appointment with a hygienist rather than something bundled into the check-up itself.
What if I have a dental emergency?
Most practices hold appointment slots for emergencies such as a broken tooth or sudden severe pain, and it is usually possible to get a regular appointment within a week regardless.
Call the practice directly and describe the problem; if they cannot fit you in, ask whether they can point you to same-day emergency cover.