January 7, 2026
At Veemarkt Dental Practice, we strive to provide preventive care that goes beyond just regular check-ups in the dentist's chair. We believe that a healthy mouth is the foundation for overall health, and that foundation is laid in the early years of life. Recent developments surrounding the oral care coach play a key role in this. In this article, we will explain the importance of early oral care and how the collaboration between health clinics and our dental practice can help your child.
Why an early start is essential
It may seem early to start thinking about the dentist when your child has only just got their first tooth. However, this is the ideal time to start. Research by the KNMT shows that a significant proportion of children in the Netherlands only visit the dentist when they already have problems. We want to prevent this at all costs.
When children first visit the dentist at a later age (for example, around school age), the risk of tooth decay is greater. In addition, their first experience may be directly linked to treatment, which can cause unnecessary anxiety. The oral health coach breaks this pattern by bringing care to the place where parents with young children already go: the health clinic.
How does the oral health coach work in practice?
The oral health coach is an oral health professional—often a dental hygienist or prevention assistant with specific training—who works closely with the youth health care service (JGZ). During regular visits to the health clinic, the coach can join in for a short consultation.
During such a consultation, not only are the teeth examined, but a lot of information is shared with the parents. This includes:
Brushing instructions: What is the best way to brush those small, sensitive teeth?
Nutritional advice: Which hidden sugars in juices or snacks are harmful?
Habit formation: How can you make brushing teeth a fun, daily ritual instead of a struggle?
As of January 1, 2026, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) has made specific codes available (such as C004, C005, and C006) to officially register these consultations. This underscores the recognition of the importance of this early intervention.
The benefits of the oral care coach for your child
The use of a coach has proven to be effective. In regions where pilot projects have been carried out, we have seen a huge increase in the number of visits to the dentist. Parents feel more confident about their child's oral care and any problems are detected at a stage when they can still be easily remedied without the need for invasive treatment.
In addition, the coach acts as a bridge. If anything unusual is noticed during a consultation at the health clinic, the coach can immediately advise the parent to make an appointment with a "family dentist." This ensures that the child receives the right care in the right place. At Veemarkt Dental Practice, we welcome these young patients with open arms; our practice is fully equipped to offer children a safe and familiar experience.
The road to 2026 and beyond
The government and professional organizations such as the KNMT are strongly committed to this new approach. Especially in neighborhoods where oral health has traditionally lagged behind, the oral health coach is seen as an indispensable tool. The goal is for the oral health coach to become an established part of youth health care, comparable to hearing tests or eye exams.
For you as a parent, this primarily means convenience and certainty. Care is accessible and often directly reimbursed by basic insurance (after all, dental care is covered up to the age of 18). The removal of financial barriers and the physical presence of an expert at the clinic make it possible for everyone to give their child's teeth the best start in life.
Our vision at Veemarkt Dental Practice
Although the oral health coach often operates outside the walls of the dental practice, we see ourselves as an integral part of this network. We maintain close contact with local healthcare providers to ensure that the transition from the coach to the practice runs as smoothly as possible.
Do you have questions about your baby or toddler's oral health? Or would you like to know more about how the oral care coach can support you? Please don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to take the time to advise you, even if your child is not yet a patient of ours. After all, a healthy mouth starts with the first smile, and we are here to protect that smile together with you.