Dental Law in Finland

Abstract

According to the law of social affairs and health, public dental care provides compulsory dental treatment for the population up to the age of 18 years without payment. The dental care of the population older than the age of 18 years varies, depending on the capacity of the home municipality, such that small communities often are able to better provide for their citizens, even up to 100 % of dental care, than larger communities. However, waiting lines are not avoidable. There is legislation to guarantee that waiting times are kept within acceptable limits. Any dental treatment must begin within 3 months after a dental check-up. Another delay of 3 months is allowed if the dental condition of a patient would not adversely affect the patient’s health.