Dental Care in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Danish dental care is split between free children's services and subsidised adult services:
- Children and adolescents (0–17): Free dental care through the municipal dental service (kommunal tandpleje) — regular check-ups, treatment, and orthodontics.
- Young adults (18–21): Since the 2022 reform, dental care is free through the municipal dental service for those born 2004 or later.
- Adults (22+): Dental care is not free. The health insurance (sygesikringen) provides a partial subsidy for certain treatments — typically 30–40 % of basic examination and preventive treatments.
- Sygeforsikringen 'danmark': A supplementary insurance scheme that many Danes join for additional dental (and other) subsidies — membership is open and fees are modest.
- Low-income support: Municipalities may provide additional dental assistance for residents on social benefits.
When does it apply?
- You or your child needs dental care in Denmark.
- You are an adult seeking dental treatment and want to understand your subsidies.
What to Do If You Cannot Afford Dental Treatment in Denmark
- For children: Register with the municipal dental service — your child will be called for regular check-ups.
- For adults: Get a written treatment plan and cost estimate before major work — compare dentists.
- Join Sygeforsikringen 'danmark' for additional subsidies on dental work.
- If you are on a low income, ask your municipality about additional dental support.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume dental care is free for adults — it is not; the public subsidy covers only a portion.
- Don't skip regular check-ups — prevention is far cheaper than treatment.
- Don't agree to treatment without a cost estimate — Danish dentists are required to provide one for treatments above a modest threshold.
Common Questions
Is dental care free for children in Denmark?
Yes. Children and adolescents aged 0-17 receive free dental care through the municipal dental service (kommunal tandpleje), covering regular check-ups, treatment, and orthodontics. Since the 2022 reform, dental care is also free through the municipal service for young adults aged 18-21 born in 2004 or later. Register your child with the municipal dental service.
Is adult dental care free in Denmark?
No. For adults aged 22 and over, dental care is not free. The sygesikring provides a partial subsidy — typically 30-40 percent of basic examinations and preventive treatments. Many Danes join Sygeforsikringen 'danmark', a supplementary insurance scheme with modest fees, for additional dental subsidies. Get a written treatment plan and cost estimate before major work.
What if I can't afford Danish dental treatment?
Municipalities may provide additional dental assistance for residents on social benefits, so ask your municipality if you are on a low income. Don't skip regular check-ups — prevention is far cheaper than treatment. Don't agree to treatment without a cost estimate — Danish dentists are required to provide one for treatments above a modest threshold.
When does it apply — dental care?
You or your child needs dental care in Denmark.You are an adult seeking dental treatment and want to understand your subsidies.
What should I do if I need dental care in Denmark but am struggling with the costs as an adult?
For children: Register with the municipal dental service — your child will be called for regular check-ups.For adults: Get a written treatment plan and cost estimate before major work — compare dentists.Join Sygeforsikringen 'danmark' for additional subsidies on dental work.If you are on a low income, ask your municipality about additional dental support.
What should you NOT do — dental care?
Don't assume dental care is free for adults — it is not; the public subsidy covers only a portion.Don't skip regular check-ups — prevention is far cheaper than treatment.Don't agree to treatment without a cost estimate — Danish dentists are required to provide one for treatments above a modest threshold.