Braces and prostheses show large price differences

According to the NZa, it is important for the patient to know in advance which are the different options treatment and associated costs. 19659006] There are significant price differences in the Netherlands for orthopedic appliances and dentures such as dentures. This is clear from the dental care of the monitor of the Dutch Health Authority (NZa). The price differences are caused by the variation in material costs. The monitor also shows that the total costs claimed per patient are increasing, while the rates have gone down. Economic improvements may result, but this has not been studied.

The NZA believes that it is important that the patient know in advance what the different treatment options and associated costs are. Based on this information, a patient can make a choice with his therapist. We therefore invite dentists, orthodontists and dental hygienists to keep the patient informed of the costs and possible options. In addition, we encourage dental providers to establish quality guidelines, so that it becomes clear which treatment is most appropriate in what situation.

It also appears that more preventive care is needed, such as dental cleaning. We do not see this yet, for example, a stagnation of the number of refills. There are also great differences in the preventive dental practices they provide

Materials and Technological Costs
We find that there are large differences in the price paid by patients for material and technical costs, such as braces. and dental prostheses. It is therefore profitable for patients to compare these costs between different practices. To do this, providers need to educate the patient about costs and treatment options.

Health care providers should always budget for treatments from € 250 and discuss different options, choice of materials and techniques, and discuss the costs of doing so. They must also place the price list of materials and technology costs on their website as of January 1, 2018, suggest to the patient to consult the purchase invoice and charge the fees correctly.

New funding
In addition, we want to work with the sector in the coming period with the development of oral health care funding. The ambition of NZa is to pay more attention to quality, results, prevention and transparency for the patient, as in many other sectors, in oral care.