Dental prices drop next year

Treatments at the dentist and orthodontist will be cheaper next year. The Dutch Healthcare Authority has determined new maximum rates that will take effect on July 1st, 2015. Most dental care, such as a periodic check, filling cavities and pulling teeth, will be 5 percent cheaper. A periodic check will cost a maximum of 20.01 euro, instead of the current 21.29 euro. The rate for pulling a tooth is lowered from 41.63 euro to 39.49 euro. The rate for placing implants, such as snap-on dentures, will be 19 percent less. For top and bottom the patient will not have to pay more than 462.33 euro, instead of the current 571.77 euro. The maximum prices at the orthodontist decrease with 1.5 percent. The new rates were established after a study in nine practices. According to a spokesperson dentists will still be able to cover costs and keep a sufficient margin.