Eaton K A, Ramsdale M, Leggett H et al. Variations in the provision and cost of oral healthcare in 11 European countries: a case study. Int Dent J 2019; 69: 130-140.

Modes of delivery also vary widely across Europe.

Using a scenario in which a young healthy patient requires some straightforward dental care, the costs and delivery of care across 11 European Union member states were compared.

In all but one country, some of the treatment could be carried out by a dental hygienist. France does not recognise dental hygienists as part of the dental workforce. In the majority of countries, with additional training, dental nurses could carry out oral hygiene instruction and take radiographs. In Denmark, with further training a dental nurse could place a filling under the supervision of a dentist and carry out a scale and polish.

In most countries, the dentist would be supported by a full time dental nurse. Countries in northwest Europe tended to work in multi-dentist practices whereas elsewhere, single handed practice predominated.

In mainland Europe, cost of treatment varied between €158 in France to €603 in Denmark. Public subsidy for these costs ranged from 0% in Italy, the Netherlands and Spain to 100% in France and Hungary.