February 25, 2026
At Veemarkt Dental Practice, we believe it is important that you not only receive the best care, but also leave our practice with peace of mind. Nobody likes financial surprises afterwards. That is why we pay close attention to clear communication about the costs of your treatment. But when exactly are you entitled to an official estimate from the dentist?
A clear overview of your treatment costs
In the dynamic world of oral care, rules and techniques are constantly changing. However, one aspect always remains constant at Tandartspraktijk Veemarkt: our focus on you as a patient. In addition to the medical quality of care, we attach great importance to professional and personal guidance in financial matters. The subject of 'the budget' often raises questions. When is a budget mandatory, what exactly does it contain, and how should you read it? In this article, we delve deeply into the subject, based on the current guidelines of the professional organization KNMT.
When will you receive a dental estimate?
The basic rule in Dutch dental care is simple but effective: transparency is the norm. If your dentist proposes a treatment that is expected to cost more than €250, you as a patient are legally protected by the duty to provide information. This means that we must proactively provide you with a written estimate.
This amount of €250 includes the costs of materials and technology. The purpose of this is to give you time to consider the proposed treatment and check your financial options. Of course, you can always ask for a cost estimate for treatments below this amount. We even encourage this; it prevents ambiguity and ensures that you know exactly what steps we will take in your care process.
What does an official budget contain?
A good budget is more than just a final amount at the bottom of a page. It is a detailed overview of the treatment plan that we have discussed together. The quote you receive from us contains various elements:
- The performance codes: Each procedure (such as a filling, a crown, or root canal treatment) has a unique national code (for example, the "H" or "R" codes).
- The description: Next to the code is a brief explanation of what the action entails.
- The rate: These are the fixed rates per code.
- Material and technical costs: If external costs are incurred (for example, for baking a porcelain crown in a laboratory), these will be listed separately.
It is important to note that a quote is always an estimate. During a procedure, the dentist may encounter issues that were not visible on an X-ray beforehand. However, if the final amount differs significantly from the quote, we will inform you immediately during the treatment.
Why the dental budget is essential for your insurance
Many of our patients have supplementary dental insurance. However, the coverage varies greatly depending on the package and the insurer. With the dental budget you receive from us, you can easily contact your insurer or log in to their portal.
You enter the codes and immediately see what percentage of the treatment is covered and how much you will have to pay out of your own pocket. This process gives you peace of mind. After all, you can make an informed decision about whether you want to have the treatment done immediately or whether you might want to postpone it until next year if your budget for this year is almost exhausted. At Tandartspraktijk Veemarkt, we are happy to help you make this decision. We look at what is medically necessary and what is financially appropriate.
Personal advice and customized solutions
No two sets of teeth are the same, and the same applies to our patients' financial situations. Sometimes there are several ways to achieve the same result. For example, a missing tooth can be replaced with an implant, but sometimes a bridge or frame prosthesis is also an excellent option.
We will discuss these alternatives during the consultation. We can draw up a separate budget for each alternative. This will allow you to weigh up the costs and sustainability of the solutions. We see it as our professional duty not only to advise you medically, but also to support you in making a choice that feels right.
The role of the KNMT guidelines
The information in this message is based on the guidelines of the KNMT. This organization ensures that dentists in the Netherlands communicate their rates in a fair and transparent manner. By strictly following these rules, Tandartspraktijk Veemarkt guarantees that you will always be treated according to the highest standards, both in the treatment chair and at the administrative desk.
Frequently asked questions about costs
Will I receive the quote immediately? In most cases, yes. For complex, extensive treatment plans, such as complete dental renovations, we prefer to take the time to work everything out accurately and send you the quote by email or post.
What if I don't understand the budget? The codes used in dental care can sometimes seem technical. Never hesitate to ask for an explanation. Our assistants and dentists will be happy to explain in plain language what each code means and why it is necessary for your oral health.
Conclusion: Working together towards a healthy mouth
At Veemarkt Dental Practice, our door is always open for consultation. Whether it's a preventive check-up or a complex procedure, we make sure you know what to expect in advance. The dental budget is a tool that helps both of us to ensure that the treatment process runs smoothly and without misunderstandings.
Do you have an appointment coming up and expect the costs to be higher than usual? Or do you simply need more clarity about your future healthcare costs? Please contact our reception desk or discuss it with your dentist during your next visit. We are happy to help you achieve healthy teeth and a transparent invoice.
Would you like to become part of our growing practice? We are still accepting new patients.
You can easily register via our website or drop by for an introductory meeting. We look forward to meeting you!