Dentist prices and subsidies: what to know before you book
Dental bills can vary a lot from clinic to clinic, and many people are unsure what a reasonable price is. This guide gives you an overview of typical prices, the subsidies you can get, and what to do about acute toothache.
Why dentists have different prices
Adult dental care in Denmark is largely paid by the patient. Some basic services such as examinations and cleanings have fixed or partially regulated prices with public subsidies, while larger treatments such as crowns, bridges and implants have free pricing. This means the same treatment can cost very differently at two clinics. That is why it can pay off to compare prices, especially for larger treatments. You always have the right to a written price estimate before a major treatment begins.
Typical prices for common treatments
Prices vary, but as a guideline a standard examination often costs 200 to 400 kroner after subsidy, a cleaning around 300 to 600 kroner, and a filling typically 500 to 1,500 kroner depending on size and material. A root canal often costs between 2,000 and 6,000 kroner, and a crown typically 4,000 to 8,000 kroner. Implants are the most expensive and can cost 15,000 to 30,000 kroner per tooth. Always ask about the total price including all partial treatments, so you are not surprised.
Subsidies: the public system and Sygeforsikringen danmark
The region automatically subsidises a range of basic dental services, and the subsidy is deducted before you receive the bill. If you are a member of Sygeforsikringen danmark, you can also get subsidies for many treatments, including fillings, root canals and crowns. Young people under 22 are entitled to free dental care, and citizens with particularly low incomes can in some cases apply to the municipality for help with dental treatment. If you have health insurance, some schemes also cover dental injuries.
Acute toothache: what to do
Severe toothache, a broken tooth or a tooth that has been knocked out requires quick help. Many dentists keep emergency slots open for the same day, and in the larger cities there are emergency dental services open evenings and weekends. Call the clinic before showing up and describe the problem: then they can assess how quickly you need to be seen. While you wait, ordinary over the counter painkillers can help. A tooth that has been knocked out completely should ideally be reinserted within an hour, so act quickly.
Compare dentists before you choose
Use the search on this site to find dentists near you and view their profiles with services, opening hours and contact details. For larger treatments, consider asking for price estimates from two different clinics and comparing them. Remember that price is not everything: experience with the specific treatment, feeling safe with the dentist and a short distance also matter for the overall experience.