Are you between 19 and 28 years old? You pay only 25 percent of the price at the public dental health service in Norway. Adults otherwise pay everything themselves, but this age group gets a fixed discount. Here's how the scheme works.
Who pays what at the dentist?
In Norway, the dentist bill depends on your age:
- Until and including the year you turn 18: all regular dental treatment is free at the public dental health service.
- 19 through 28 years old: you pay maximum 25 percent of the public rates. The county municipality covers the rest.
- From 29 years old: you pay everything yourself, unless you have a condition that entitles you to support from Helfo.
The discount for young adults is the same throughout the period – a 19-year-old and a 28-year-old pay the same share. Read more about free dental treatment for children and young people.
How to get the discount
To get the 25-percent discount, you must go to the public dental health service, which the county municipality operates. You cannot go to just any private dentist and get a discount – only public clinics, or private dentists who have a contract with the county municipality.
Here's what you do:
- Find a public dental clinic in your county.
- Book an appointment and tell them you are between 19 and 28 years old.
- You pay 25 percent of the price after the treatment.
The discount applies to regular dental treatment, such as examination, fillings, and cleaning.
A right that is enshrined in law
The right to cheaper dentistry for the entire 19–28-year-old group was enshrined in law from 1 July 2025. Previously, the offer for the oldest (25–28 years) depended on annual allocations. Now it is a fixed right.
The scheme continues in 2026. Parliament has been concerned that out-of-pocket costs for young adults should not increase. If you want to know exactly what you have to pay, ask at the dental clinic, as the rates are adjusted every year.
Adults who still get support
Although adults over 28 years old generally pay everything themselves, there are exceptions. If you have a condition or illness that is on a special list, Helfo can cover parts of the dental treatment. Some groups also get free or cheap dental treatment, such as residents of nursing homes and people in addiction treatment. Ask your dentist if your treatment entitles you to support.
Take care of your teeth while it's cheap
The best way to save money at the dentist is to avoid big problems. Go to the dentist regularly, even when it doesn't hurt – the public dental health service often invites young people for check-ups. Brush your teeth morning and evening with fluoride toothpaste, and drink water instead of soda and juice. Small cavities are cheap to fix; big problems become expensive when you turn 29.
Why this is worth knowing
Many young immigrants and students believe that adults always have to pay full price at the dentist, and therefore put off going. It can become expensive, because small problems grow. With the 25-percent rule, it is much cheaper to take care of your teeth while you are young.
Good dental health and how the health system in Norway works are connected. Adults over 28 pay otherwise themselves – read more in the guide about dentist in Norway.
Health and rights are also topics on the citizenship test. On SamfunnPrep you can learn more and practice for free. Ready to practice? Try SamfunnPrep for free.
