Cosmetic dental care: how to read the experiment with free tariffs.
What the Dutch experiment for facings and external tooth whitening means, which K-codes apply and which information should be clear before a proposal.
Updated 27 August 2026
When someone considers cosmetic treatment, a price alone is not enough. It also matters what has been proposed, what is and is not included, and which questions remain open. This page helps make a conversation and estimate easier to read; the treating practitioner always assesses what is appropriate in an individual situation.
What is the experiment with free tariffs?
The Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) describes a five-year experiment that started on 1 January 2023. It uses free tariffs for part of cosmetic dental care: facings and external whitening of teeth. A free tariff is not capped by an NZa maximum tariff, so it is useful to read the scope of the proposal and the price together instead of comparing amounts alone.
Four K-codes, four complete care pathways
- K001 — cosmetic care pathway for a direct facing, made in the mouth.
- K002 — cosmetic care pathway for an indirect facing, made outside the mouth.
- K003 — external whitening per jaw.
- K004 — an incomplete cosmetic care pathway.
For participating practices, these K-codes are care pathways. The NZa says other performances may not be charged alongside them for the cosmetic care in that pathway: the necessary actions are included. Non-cosmetic care follows the regular dental-care rules and performances. Whether a code applies always depends on the care delivered and the current rules.
Make a proposal checkable
A useful proposal does more than show a total. It makes the context visible. Ask what result is intended, what is included in the pathway, which alternatives were discussed, who will provide which parts, how aftercare and questions are arranged, and which written or digital estimate was provided.
The KNMT quality framework has a checklist covering information, expectations, risks, alternatives, aftercare, costs and the treating practitioner. These prompts support an informed decision; they do not replace a personal consultation.
When does a reflection period apply?
According to the KNMT, an invasive cosmetic treatment that sacrifices healthy tooth tissue from several teeth has a mandatory reflection period of one week. This is not a blanket rule for every cosmetic treatment. The practitioner can explain which framework applies to a specific proposal.
