Dental care

Reimbursement is provided through the public health insurance scheme. Adults generally pay a substantial share of the cost of dental treatment, while public subsidies vary according to the type of treatment. No general subsidy is granted for dentures.

Municipal and regional dental services are regulated by the health legislation. In addition, a significant share of the Danish population is covered by a private insurance scheme, some of which provide subsidies for dental treatment.

Children and young people under 22 years of age are entitled to free municipal dental care, including orthodontic treatment where indicated. Municipalities also provide domiciliary dental care (omsorgstandpleje) for persons who, because of reduced physical or mental functioning, are unable to use ordinary dental services. In 2026, the maximum annual user charge for domiciliary dental care is DKK 635. Municipalities may also provide a subsidy for dentures in case of impaired function or disfigurement resulting from damage caused by accidents. 

Municipalities offer specialist dental care (specialtandpleje) to persons who, because of psychiatric illness or mental health disorders, cannot use the ordinary dental care services. In 2026, the maximum annual user charge for specialised dental care is DKK 2 380.

The region offers highly specialized dental care to children and young people with severe dental conditions that could result in permanent functional impairment if left untreated.

In addition, the region grants a special reimbursement for dental care for cancer patients who, due to radiotherapy of the head and neck region or chemotherapy, experience significant documented dental problems, and to persons with Sjögren’s syndrome who experience significant documented dental problems. In 2026, the maximum annual user charge for these schemes is DKK 2 380. The regions also provide highly specialised dental advice, examination and treatment for patients with rare diseases and disabilities that may give rise to special dental, oral or maxillofacial problems.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery are carried out in hospitals and are financed by the regions in accordance with the health legislation.

In addition to the general rules outlined above, the municipalities may provide financial support for necessary dental treatment in accordance with social service legislation.

Dental treatment is mainly provided by private dentists. Payment is therefore partly private, and partly subsidized (about half of the costs) by the public services. The specific amount of the subsidy is regulated by the agreement between the home rule government and the Faroese Dental Association. 

There is no maximum user charge for dental treatment. 

The age group 18-22 years have free clinical examination. 

The municipalities provide a free dental service for children up to the age of 18. This service also provides special dental care, such as orthodontic treatment. 

Reimbursement of expenses for treatment of congenital diseases or disease-related dental conditions can be claimed according to the social legislation.

All public dental care is free of charge. There is limited access to private dentists. All private dental treatment is paid for by the patient.

As a general rule, dental care is only available in the healthcare district where the person is registered in the civil register, unless it is an emergency, in which case treatment can be obtained in the district of stay. 

There is a basic user charge of EUR 14.80 per visit for dental treatment at a health centre, EUR 19.10 per visit to a dentist, and EUR 28.10 for a visit to a specialist. In addition to this, user charges of EUR 12.30-325.60 can be charged, dependent on the type of treatment provided.

The health insurance scheme reimburses 60 per cent of the treatment costs within the rates fixed by the Social Insurance Institution. One annual dental examination can be reimbursed in the private dental service (EUR 30 for dentists and EUR 20 for dental hygienist). Treatment by dental hygienist can be reimbursed twice a year without dentist referral and 15 times in two years with such a referral. Orthodontic treatment is only reimbursed if the treatment is necessary to prevent other illnesses. Expenditure on dentures is not included in the reimbursement scheme excluding war veterans and persons having served in mine clearance operations.

Expenses for drugs prescribed by a dentist and travelling costs to visit a dentist are refundable under the same terms as for medical prescriptions and travelling costs to visit a physician.

Public dental care is free of charge for children and young people up to and including the calendar year in which they turn 21. For other patients a user charge of EUR 15 is payable for each dental visit. Additional charges apply for examinations, imaging procedures and dental treatment according to the type and complexity of the procedure.

Orthodontic treatment is subject to higher fees than standard dental treatment. Orthodontic appliances, dentures, crowns, bridges and other dental laboratory work are charged according to the actual costs incurred.

Dental treatment is mainly provided by private dentists and adults are not eligible for reimbursement of dental expenses. However, the national health insurance institution, Iceland Health, offers partial reimbursement of the cost for dental treatment for pensioners, disabled people and people suffering from chronic illness.

Children’s dental care is fully paid by the National Health Insurance, except for an annual appointment charge of ISK 3 500. The condition for the payment contribution is that a child is registered with a family dentist. 

Orthodontic treatment for adults is not covered by the Iceland Health. However, it does subsidise orthodontic treatment for children according to special rules. 

Adults over 20 years of age normally pay all costs for dental treatment. When dental treatment is needed because of defined diseases, conditions, injuries, the patient can receive reimbursement/benefit from the National Insurance Scheme. 

The public dental service offers free treatment to the following groups: children and young people under the age of 18 years, people with mental disabilities, elderly people, people with chronic illnesses and disabled people who are either living in institutions or receiving home nursing services and other groups of people with special needs, e.g. people in prison. 

Adolescents 19-20 years of age receive subsidised dental care. The county authorities cover a minimum of 75 per cent of the cost of dental treatment for this group, and the cost is eligible for user charge card. The National Insurance Scheme covers the cost of necessary orthodontic treatment for children up to the age of 18.

Adults over 20 years of age normally pay all costs for dental treatment. When dental treatment is needed because of defined diseases, conditions, injuries, the patient can receive reimbursement/benefit from the National Insurance Scheme. 

The public dental service offers free treatment to the following groups: children and young people under the age of 18 years, people with mental disabilities, elderly people, people with chronic illnesses and disabled people who are either living in institutions or receiving home nursing services and other groups of people with special needs, e.g. people in prison. 

Adolescents 19-20 years of age receive subsidised dental care. The county authorities cover a minimum of 75 per cent of the cost of dental treatment for this group, and the cost is eligible for user charge card. The National Insurance Scheme covers the cost of necessary orthodontic treatment for children up to the age of 18.