Dentists in conflict: Who pays for the new fillings from 2025?

Dentists in conflict: Who pays for the new fillings from 2025?

Wien, Österreich - The conflict about the successor of Amalgam fillings in Austria culminated. From 2025, the use of amalgam in dental fillings is prohibited across the EU, which increases the urgency of an alternative material paid by the health insurance company. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) tries to defuse the situation by wanting to offer 20 percent more for amalgam -free fillings. However, the dental association rejects the offer and only accepts the less suitable glass ionomer cement as a free performance, while all other materials are to be regarded as private services, such as the Zeitung reported.

The ÖGK is angered by the inability of the Dental Association to take a negotiation date that was scheduled for this week. ÖGK chairman Huss criticized this inactivity as "not responsible" and announced that the cash register will offer individual contracts past the chamber that have already been accepted by eleven private tooth outbulatories. This change could lead to patients who decide on a dentist who refuses to accept the new conditions from January 2025 the costs for their fillings. The exact amount of the refund is also unclear, which means additional uncertainty for the patients. For its part, the Dental Association emphasizes that the tariffs for new materials are not cost -covering and therefore calls for an adaptation of the fee schedule, such as reports.

In the current situation, the perspectives for the patient are uncertain. If no agreement is reached, a large part of the dental treatments will have to be paid out of their own pocket - a significant burden for many. The coming weeks and months could therefore be decisive for the future of dental care in Austria.