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.).