The cost of visiting a dentist will go down from next July, the Dutch health authority NZa, which sets fees for dentistry, has decided.

The maximum fees will be cut by 5% while orthodontist charges will also be reduced. ‘Lower fees still allow dentists to cover their costs and keep sufficient margins,’ a spokeswoman told broadcaster Nos.

The cost cuts are the result of an NZa survey into dentists’ earnings last year. They take the fee for an annual check up to a maximum €20.01 and pulling a tooth to €39.49.