q1. In your words, how does the Dutch dental care system work for kids? Is it all effectively free?
q2. As expats, we do not all really understand how it works. Are all insurance plans the same in terms of dental care for children?
Yes, Children in the Netherlands are fully covered under the Dutch basic health insurance for almost all their dental costs up to the age of 18.
q3. Are braces included for kids in the insurance? In some countries, these can cost a fortune. How does it work here?
No, unfortunately, orthodontic treatment isn’t covered by basic health insurance. If you know that your child will soon require braces, you can consider taking out more comprehensive dental insurance to co-insure your child at no extra cost. But don’t wait too long: orthodontic care is often subject to a waiting period of 1 year.
q4. A visit to the dentist is often something many children dread. Please tell us what specific actions your teams take at De Zuidas to make the dental visit experience easier for children?
We create a calm, stress-free and friendly environment, for example, we turn ordinary procedures into kid-friendly ones by changing the words and clear explanations – Children are naturally curious, so explaining everything takes advantage of this curiosity and lets children ease into the appointment. Also, it helps your dentist to find common ground with your child, equip your care provider with as much information about your child as possible, especially what they enjoy doing.
We maintain consistency with a trusted dentist, thus seeing the same professional every visit. The ambience in our practice is welcoming. Friendly staff putting children and parents alike at ease.
q5. Lastly, what tips would you give to parents in order to help them with the dental care of their children? What habits should they be putting in place and which foodstuffs should be avoided?
Visit your dentist every 6 months, brush twice a day! Preferably 30-60minutes after a meal. From as early as possible go to the prevention assistant for “brushing lessons”, also twice a year as your regular dentist visits.
Eat a maximum of seven times a day (3 meals and 4 snacks). Eat sugary or acidic foods with meals, your mouth makes more saliva during meals. If you plan to give your child any sweets, give them as desserts immediately following the meal. There is more saliva and a mealtime beverage as water also helps to wash the food particles away.
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