English-Speaking Dentists in Denmark

Overview

Denmark’s public healthcare covers doctors and hospitals but not most dental care for adults. You receive a small subsidy (tilskud) from the public system, but you pay the majority yourself. Costs are significantly higher than in many other countries.

Finding an English-speaking dentist

Most dentists in Copenhagen and larger cities speak English. To find one:

• Google Maps: Search “English dentist [your city]” and check reviews.
• tandlaegeforeningen.dk: The Danish Dental Association’s directory. No language filter, but clinic websites often indicate English service.
• Expat recommendations: Facebook groups are reliable for dentist recommendations with English-language reviews.
• International clinics: Some clinics specifically target internationals (e.g., Copenhagen Dental, Tandlægehuset in Østerbro).

What dental care costs (2026)

• Check-up: 500–800 DKK (after subsidy)
• Cleaning (tandrensning): 400–700 DKK
• Filling: 800–1,500 DKK depending on size and material
• Root canal: 3,000–6,000 DKK
• Crown: 4,000–8,000 DKK
• Extraction: 800–2,000 DKK
• Implant: 10,000–20,000 DKK

The public subsidy (tilskud) covers a small portion of check-ups and basic treatments — typically 40–65% of a “reference price” set by the government. Clinics often charge more than the reference price, so your actual subsidy percentage may be lower.

Children’s dental care

Free until age 18. Your municipality provides dental care through the municipal dental service (kommunal tandpleje). Your child is assigned a clinic and receives regular check-ups, cleaning, and necessary treatments at no cost. This is one of the best parts of the Danish system.

Dental insurance

Options to reduce costs:

• Sygeforsikring “denmark”: A supplementary health insurance cooperative. Members receive additional subsidies on dental, physiotherapy, and prescriptions. Cost: ~150–250 DKK/quarter. Covers about 30–40% of dental costs on top of the public subsidy. Very popular — about 2 million Danes are members.
• Employer insurance: Some employer health insurance plans include dental coverage. Check your benefits package.
• Union benefits: Some trade unions offer dental coverage or discounts as part of membership.
• Private dental insurance: Available but often not cost-effective unless you expect significant work.

Saving money on dental care

• Compare prices: Call 2–3 clinics for quotes on the same treatment. Price variation is large.
• Join Sygeforsikring “denmark”: The subsidy savings usually exceed the membership cost within one visit.
• Preventive care: Regular check-ups catch problems early when they’re cheaper to fix.
• Dental schools: Copenhagen University’s dental school offers treatment at reduced rates (supervised by professors). Longer appointments but significant savings.
• Dental tourism: Some expats travel to their home country or to Poland/Hungary for major work. Factor in travel costs and follow-up complexity.

Common problems

The bill was higher than expected

You have the right to a written estimate before treatment. If the final bill exceeds the estimate significantly, dispute it with the clinic. Contact Tandlægeforeningens Patientklageenævn (dental complaint board) for formal disputes.

I need emergency dental care

Call the tandlægevagt (emergency dentist). In Copenhagen: 70 25 65 65. Available evenings, weekends, and holidays. Costs apply and are typically higher than regular appointments.

Questions and answers

Why is dental so expensive in Denmark?

Denmark chose not to include adult dental in the universal healthcare system. The small public subsidy helps but does not cover the majority. Combined with high Danish wages (dentists earn well), costs are high by international standards.

Can I use my EHIC for dental?

The EHIC covers emergency dental treatment for EU visitors. It does not cover routine care for residents — you use the Danish public subsidy system.