In a move that will bring relief to many Czech citizens, adult patients will continue to have access to fully covered dental fillings even after the ban on amalgam fillings takes effect in 2026. This announcement, made by the Czech Dental Chamber and confirmed by the Ministry of Health, ensures that dental care remains accessible to all.
The agreement marks a significant shift from the Ministry’s initial proposal, which suggested that insurance companies would cover only 40% of the filling cost, leaving patients to foot the bill for the remainder. Instead, patients will now have the option of a fully covered filling, albeit not the traditional amalgam type. The new standard will be a simple, non-layered photopolymer composite filling.
Roman Šmucler, President of the Czech Dental Chamber, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Essentially, nothing will change for patients. No patient will leave with an untreated tooth.” This addresses concerns that some people might forgo dental visits without guaranteed fully covered fillings.
The shift from amalgam fillings is part of a broader European Union initiative driven by environmental concerns. However, many dentists have avoided amalgam and opted for white fillings. Šmucler notes that amalgam use would likely have phased out naturally by 2030, even without the ban, as dental schools no longer teach the technique.
While the exact reimbursement amount is yet to be finalized, preliminary agreements suggest it will be around 1,600 crowns per filling, a significant increase from the current 900 crowns for amalgam fillings. This change will necessitate increased funding for dental care from health insurance companies, building on the 17 billion crowns allocated last year.