In brief

• Some patients finance costly dental treatment with a loan, especially implants, prosthetics and orthodontics.
• The NHS (NFZ) covers only basic procedures, and private prices are high, so many patients have no savings to pay upfront.
• Before signing a contract, it is worth comparing costs at several clinics and checking which procedures are reimbursed.

A loan instead of the dental chair

Patients who lack the money for costly dental treatment turn to loans. This applies above all to procedures such as implants, prosthetic treatment or orthodontic treatment (Polaków nie stać na leczenie u dentysty. Ratują się kredytem – infodent24.pl).

Why patients cannot pay upfront

Prices of private dental services are high, and the services financed by the NFZ cover only basic procedures. People who need more advanced treatment often have no savings to pay for it in cash.

What this means for the patient

Before deciding on a loan, compare the cost of treatment at several clinics and ask whether payment can be split into instalments directly at the practice. Check which procedures are covered by reimbursement before signing the contract. If you have tooth pain or an inflammation, do not delay your visit: contact a dentist, and in urgent cases use the SOR (emergency department) or call 112.