Children and youth 0–18 years
Children and youth are entitled to free dental care until the year they turn 19. This covers all treatment except orthodontics.
You will be invited for regular check-ups. These usually start in the year the child turns 3. The frequency of check-ups depends on your dental health. If your teeth are healthy, a check-up every 24 months is common.
Before the age of 3, dental health is monitored by the public health nurse at the health clinic. If needed, the child will be referred to the dental clinic.
Young adults 19-28 years
From January 1 of the year you turn 19, you must pay for dental treatment. You are entitled to a discount until the year you turn 28. You then pay 25% of the public rates set by the Ministry of Health and Care Services.
Important to know:
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The offer applies only at our public dental clinics. You can find an overview of our clinics here.
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Treatment by private dentists and dental hygienists is not covered.
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Costs for private treatment will not be reimbursed.
Waiting time
When you get an appointment depends on your treatment needs and how long the waiting list is at your clinic. Many clinics already have waiting lists, and you will be placed in the queue.
Elderly, diabled and long-term care patients in institutions
If you live in a nursing home or a care and treatment centre, you are entitled to free dental care from the Public Dental Health Service.
The offer covers necessary dental treatment that allows you to chew food, speak clearly and be with others without discomfort from your teeth.
You must have lived in the institution for at least three months to be entitled to free dental care. In the first three months, you will only receive emergency treatment if needed.
If you live in a private institution without an agreement with the municipality or regional health authority, you are unfortunately not entitled to free dental care.
Ask the staff at your institution if you want to know more or need help finding out if you qualify.
You can find the application form for free treatment here.
Elderly, disabled and long-term care patients with home nursing
If you receive health services at home, you may be entitled to free dental care from the Public Dental Health Service.
Eligibility depends on the type of help you receive, how often and for how long. As a general rule, you are entitled to free dental care if you have received home nursing for at least three months.
Home nursing includes health services in your home such as wound care, medication management, psychiatric nursing and similar. Home nursing is different from personal assistance and practical help such as cooking, help with showering, shopping or accompanying you to appointments. These services are not considered home nursing.
The municipality is responsible for informing you about this offer. If you are entitled to free dental care and wish to receive it, the municipality will contact the dental service on your behalf.
You can also ask your home nurse about the offer and get help to find out if it applies to you.
You can find the application form for free treatment here.
People with intellectual disabilities in and outside institutions
You are entitled to free dental care from the Public Dental Health Service if you have an intellectual disability and these requirements are met:
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The diagnosis must be confirmed by your GP or a psychiatrist.
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The diagnosis must be registered as F70–F79 in the ICD-10 system or P85 in the ICPC-2 system.
People with other diagnoses are not entitled to free dental care under this scheme.
People with substance use problems
If you have substance use problems, you may be entitled to free dental care from the Public Dental Health Service if you meet one of these requirements:
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You receive opioid substitution treatment (OST)
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You receive respite care as a family caregiver (Health and Care Services Act § 3-2 first paragraph no. 6, letter b)
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You receive personal assistance such as practical help, training or a support person (Health and Care Services Act § 3-2 first paragraph no. 6, letter b)
Important to know:
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The offer covers only necessary dental treatment, meaning treatment that allows you to eat, speak and be with others without dental problems.
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You must have received, or be expected to receive, treatment or services continuously for at least three months. In some cases, weekly services from the municipality or substance use care are required.
Contact your substance use care coordinator to find out if you are entitled to free dental care. They can also help you fill in the necessary forms.
You can find the application form for free treatment here.
New in Norway
This information applies if you have recently moved to Norway, for example as a refugee, asylum seeker, labour migrant, student or through family immigration.
Children and youth 0–18 years
Children and youth aged 0–18 who are refugees or asylum seekers are entitled to free dental care. They are also entitled to a free interpreter if needed.
Because many people move during their first months in Norway, we usually wait to start treatment until the child has been in the country for at least six months. Emergency dental care is always available when necessary.
Young adults 19–28 years
If you do not have permanent residence in Norway, you must have lived here for five years before you are entitled to reduced-price dental care. Once you meet this requirement, necessary interpreter costs are also covered.
Before you meet the five-year requirement, the same rules as for other adults apply – you must book your own appointment and pay the full price. You may go to a private dentist or to a public dental clinic with available capacity.
Exceptions
You do not need to have lived in Norway for five years if you come from:
EU/EEA countries, Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, India, Israel, Montenegro, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, USA.
These countries have agreements with Norway that give you the right to dental care from your first day in the country.
Adults
As an adult refugee, asylum seeker or other new resident who does not meet the conditions for reduced prices, you must arrange and pay for your own treatment, including any interpreter costs. You may choose a private dentist or a public dental clinic with available capacity.
Prison inmates
If you are serving a prison sentence, you are always entitled to emergency dental care when you need it.
If you are serving more than three months, you are also entitled to necessary free dental treatment. This applies both to those in prison and those living in transitional housing. Home detention does not give you the right to free dental care.
Patients with dental phobia (TOO programme)
It is common to feel anxiety or discomfort about dental treatment. Let us know – often we can help you go through the treatment in a safe way. Sharing your concerns can make a big difference.
If you have severe dental anxiety, there is extra help available. We offer treatment if your dental anxiety is caused by:
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Torture
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Abuse
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Odontophobia (severe dental fear)
Adults can contact us directly or get a referral from a dentist, dental hygienist, doctor or psychologist.
Tourists in norway
Children and youth 0–18 years from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Australia are entitled to free necessary dental care in Norway, provided they present a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) (UK) or equivalent proof of coverage. Tourists from other countries must cover all costs themselves.
Young adults 19–28 years from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Australia pay only 25% of public rates for necessary dental care, provided they show valid proof of coverage. Others must pay full cost.
Adults must cover all costs themselves.