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25 August 2025 | Country Update
Reforming the Dental Care Act for better access to oral health care
5.12. Dental care
Dental care for the adult population (20 years and older) is the area of care with the highest private participation, both in terms of provision and financing. Most dentists work in private practices (around 70% of all dentists) (Statistics Norway, 2019a) and most treatments are usually paid in full out of pocket by the patient. Fees charged in the private sector are not regulated.
Provision of statutory dental care has traditionally been the responsibility of the counties, as regulated in the Dental Health Services Act (1983). However, by 2022 this responsibility may be transferred to the municipalities and dental care may then be regulated by the Municipal Health and Care Act (2011) (see section 2.1). This, however, depends on a future parliamentary decision.
Public dental care is carried out by salaried dentists in dental care clinics operated by the counties in cooperation with the municipalities. Except for orthodontic treatment, public dental care is free of charge for children and young people aged 0–18 years. Young people aged 19–20 years must pay 25% of the costs up to the cost-sharing ceiling (see section 3.4.1).
Mentally disabled adults, older people and people with a long-term illness who are either living in an institution or receiving home nursing care pay reduced fees or may be eligible to receive public dental care free of charge. People outside these groups may also be able to access public dental care provided by the counties, but only after the needs of people in the prioritized groups have been met.
Standards in dental practice are monitored by the County Medical Officers, usually through designated dentists who supervise and assess the observance of dental medical standards and quality assurance programmes. Six regional centres of competence for dental health care have been established during the last decade, in order to facilitate decentralized specialist education for dentists and educating more dental auxiliaries. A national action plan for research in oral health is in place for 2017–2027 with goals including strengthening research in oral health, in the competence centres and via a dedicated national network for research and innovation.
In Norway, dental care is regulated separately from general healthcare and is not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. While children under 18 receive fully subsidized dental care – with some exemptions for orthodontic treatments (Helsenorge, n.d.a.) – adults typically pay the full cost, resulting in high out-of-pocket expenses. Exceptions apply to certain groups, including residents in long-term care, individuals with disabilities and patients with specific medical conditions. Public dental services are managed by county authorities, whereas other health services fall under state or municipal responsibility.
In 2021, the government announced plans to gradually expand public dental care coverage (Prime Minister’s Office, 2025). Key goals included strengthening preventive care, improving access and quality, enhancing reimbursement for low-income patients and those with specific dental conditions, introducing free care for ages 18–21, and reducing the price by 50% for ages 22–25.
By 2022, user fees were capped at 25% for ages 19–20 and 50% for ages 21–22. In 2023, the 21–24 age group received the same 25% cap as younger adults. These subsidies are funded through the national budget but are not regulated by the Dental Care Act. A royal commission was appointed to review the dental care system, including its organization, financing and regulation, and to propose future models.
In September 2024, the commission recommended major reforms to establish universal dental care. Key proposals included aligning dental services with other health services, improving coordination between public and private sectors, and integrating dental care into national public health initiatives. The commission advocated a phased expansion of public responsibility, including coverage of dental expenses under the national reimbursement scheme.
In 2025 the Parliament amended the Dental Care Act to grant individuals aged 19–28 access to necessary public dental treatment, subject to a 25% user fee. These fees continue to be funded via the national budget and remain outside the scope of the act. Information on access to dental care are posted at helsenorge.no (Helsenorge, n.d.b.).
Authors
References
Helsenorge (n.d.a.). Braces for children and young adults. Available at: https://www.helsenorge.no/en/tannhelse/tannregulering-til-barn-og-unge [last accessed on 27 August 2025]
Helsenorge (n.d.b.). Who pays your dental bill? Available at: https://www.helsenorge.no/en/payment-for-health-services/who-pays-your-dental-bill [last accessed on 27 August 2025]
Prime Minister’s Office (2025). Hurdalsplattformen og Arbeiderparti-regjeringens politiske prioriteringer. Available at: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/hurdalsplattformen/id2877252/?ch=1 [last accessed on 27 August 2025]