Highly-qualified dentists and good population coverage together mean that dental care in Germany ranks as one of the best in Europe. This page covers the basics of dentistry in Germany.
Dentistry in Germany
Dentistry is semi-privatised in the German healthcare system, meaning that, depending on the type of health insurance you have, you may have to contribute a portion of the costs for dental treatment.
In an ongoing effort to cut costs, statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)has significantly cut the number of dental treatments included in its coverage. As a general rule, simple, medically-necessary treatments are fully covered, while more complicated or cosmetic dentistry must be covered partially or entirely by the patient. Statutory health insurance usually covers the following kinds of dental care:
- Dental check-ups every six months
- Teeth cleaning / scaling (Zahnsteinentfernung) once per year
- Basic fillings
You also have the option to choose more expensive “upgrade” treatments and pay the difference. If you need more advanced treatment you may be sent to a doctor or a hospital, or be prescribed medication such as antibiotics. Before undertaking any significant dental work, it is wise to ask your dentist for a cost estimate (Heil- und Kostenplan). You should submit this to your insurance providerfor their approval before you commence treatment.
Dental care & Private health insurance
If you have private health insurance (private Krankenverischerung), the level of reimbursem*nt you can expect for dental care depends on your individual plan. It is possible to get 100% coverage for more major dental work, but you should always obtain approval from your insurer before commencing treatment to make sure you are indeed covered.
It is worth noting that many private insurers have an “exclusion period” for new policyholders, meaning that you cannot claim for any dental work undertaken within the first few months of taking out private health insurance. Check your individual policy for details.
Additional dental insurance (Zahnzusatzverischerung)
It is also possible to purchase additional dental cover insurance, to supplement both statutory and private health insurance plans. The price varies according to the level of treatments that are reimbursed. Thefollowing companies offer additional dental insurance in English:
- Ottonova(up to 100% cost coverage | Get up to 30€ Amazon voucher)
- Feather(All in English. All digital. Designed especially for expats.)
- GetSafe
Emergency dentists
If you are in need of assistance outside of regular working hours, you can find an emergency dentist on the Zahnärztlicher Notdienst website.
How much does a dental check up cost?
No matter whether you are publiclyor privately insured, routine dental procedures will be covered by your health plan. This includes two annual check ups, teeth cleaning and basic fillings.
You may have to pay more for more expensive or extra treatments - although generally you can still count on at least a partial reimbursem*nt from your provider.
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FAQs
Highly-qualified dentists and good population coverage together mean that dental care in Germany ranks as one of the best in Europe.
Is tooth filling free in Germany? ›
Public health insurance covers amalgam and plastic tooth filling, but you pay for the ceramic tooth filling.
Is it hard to get into dentistry in Germany? ›
Admission to a dentistry program in Germany is not easy. The country offers some of the best programs in the field of dentistry, and competition in these programs is extensive. However, the effort will not be in vain, as you will have the opportunity to study at some of the best universities in Europe and worldwide.
Is there a shortage of dentists in Germany? ›
There is no shortage of dentists in urban areas. The shortage is in rural areas where not many are ready to move.
Which is the best country for dental treatment? ›
Best places in world for dental treatment
- Thailand: Thailand is renowned for its advanced dental facilities, highly trained dentists, and state-of-the-art dental technology. ...
- Mexico: With its proximity to the United States, Mexico has become a popular dental destination for Americans seeking affordable dental care.
Of 28 European nations analysed, Norway came out as the most teeth-conscious country, followed by Luxembourg in second place and Germany in third place.
How much does a single tooth implant cost in Germany? ›
The average cost of a single dental implant in Germany can range from €2,500 to €4,000, while a full mouth implant restoration can reach €20,000 or even more.
How much does it cost to get your teeth cleaned in Germany? ›
Public dental care in Germany
- Biannual cleaning: from €80.
- Crowns: from €150.
- Bridges: from €340.
- Adult braces: €1,800–2,500.
- Root canals: €200–1,000.
- Teeth bleaching: €30–70 per tooth.
Public health insurance only covers treatment and dentures as part of standard care. Supplemental dental insurance therefore makes sense for anyone with public insurance — also, expats in Germany should not do without this insurance cover. You can afford beautiful, healthy teeth without financial burdens.
How much does a dentist make a month in Germany? ›
€4K. The estimated salary for a Dentist is €4,000 per month in the Germany area. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
Once you have successfully completed both of the mentioned exams, you can apply for a professional license for the dental profession in Germany. Based on our experience during this period, we must say that as an international dentist, you have a very good chance of finding a suitable job opportunity in Germany.
What country has the least dental problems? ›
With a DMFT (decayed, missing, or filled teeth) index score of 0.4, Danish citizens have pretty perfect teeth. Germany, Finland, Sweden, and the UK all have scores below 1.0, making them the five countries with the healthiest teeth.
Which country has the best trained dentists? ›
Swedish dentists are also known for their advanced training and patient education, offering detailed insights into oral health practices for their patients. This holistic approach, combining accessibility, education, and patient empowerment, positions Sweden at the forefront of global dental health excellence.
Can a German dentist work in the US? ›
Are There Any Restrictions to Working as a Foreign-Educated Dentist in the U.S.? Once you obtain your accredited dentistry education and your state dentist license, pass all examinations, and receive your visa for working in the U.S., you will be able to freely practice as a dentist.
What country has the best teeth health? ›
1. Denmark – the number one country for healthy primary teeth. Congratulations to the Danes!
Which country has the most advanced dental care? ›
The Top 3 Countries Providing Excellent Oral Healthcare
- Denmark. Denmark's comprehensive dental care system emphasizes strong preventive measures, leading to a low rate of oral disease over a lifetime. ...
- Sweden. Sweden's public-private collaboration ensures widespread access to dental services. ...
- Japan.
Germany 4th in the 2022 World Index of Healthcare Innovation with an overall score of 58.42, slightly dropping from 3rd in 2021 and 2nd in 2020. Germany's healthcare system excels in several dimensions.
