Experts in Denmark are warning that many people visit the dentist more often than necessary, leading to possible over‑treatment and higher costs. Research shows that regular home care matters more for dental health than frequent checkups.
Danes Visit the Dentist Too Often
In Denmark, about 82 percent of adults are called in for a dental exam every six to twelve months. Several experts now believe that may be too frequent. They argue that for most healthy people, visiting the dentist every two years is enough. Regular home care such as brushing and flossing plays a much larger role in maintaining good oral health.
The national system already sorts patients into risk categories under the “red‑yellow‑green” model used by the Danish Health Authority. Those in the green group are considered low‑risk and should only be seen once every one or two years. The yellow category involves minor problems like early cavities or mild gum disease, while the red category is reserved for patients needing active treatment.
Healthy Habits Matter More
Scientific reviews support the idea that fewer checkups do not harm dental health. A 2020 Cochrane review found no major difference in outcomes between patients who saw dentists every six months and those who went every two years. A similar British study in 2021 reached the same result.
The evidence suggests that frequent visits do not ensure a healthier mouth. Instead, it is what people do at home that makes the biggest difference. Denmark’s universal healthcare system provides limited dental coverage, so unnecessary visits also burden patients financially.
In 2017, the Danish Health Authority evaluated the red‑yellow‑green model and found that too many patients were being placed in the yellow category, meaning they were called in too often despite having no active dental disease. That has led some experts to question whether the system encourages excessive visits.
Overtreatment and Financial Incentives
Some researchers and dental hygienists argue that financial incentives are a major part of the problem. Private clinics earn more by performing frequent cleanings, fillings, and checkups than by offering preventive advice. Repeated cleaning can even wear down enamel if done unnecessarily.
Experts suggest that a better reimbursement model would reward dentists for keeping patients healthy, not for performing more procedures. They emphasize that brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, and cutting back on sugary or acidic drinks are the most effective habits.
Simple Steps for Healthy Teeth
* Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day using a soft brush
* Use fluoride toothpaste
* Clean between teeth daily
* Avoid sugary snacks and drinks
* Seek professional advice when necessary
Dentists Disagree on the Issue
However, the Danish Dental Association says the criticism is oversimplified. They warn that telling people to visit less often could cause some to delay care too long, allowing preventable problems to worsen. Their data show that nearly 40 percent of adults in 2024 had cavities, while one in three had skipped a dental visit for at least two years.
That gap illustrates a challenge in maintaining national dental health even in a country known for its strong preventive healthcare culture. Balancing preventive visits with cost‑effective treatment remains key.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Is Danish Healthcare Really Worth the Hype?
The Danish Dream: Best Dentists in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Vi går for ofte til tandlæge, advarer eksperter
