The 2026 dental care reform – what does it mean for you if you are 67 or older?

A major dental care reform came into effect on 1 January 2026. Its purpose is to make dental care more affordable and secure for people aged 67 or over, so that finances do not stand in the way of good oral health. Here we explain what the reform means, what is included and how it works when you visit us.

The key points in brief

• You normally pay 10 per cent of the reference price for the treatments covered. The state pays the rest.
• The reform applies to you if you turn 67 or older during the year and are insured in Sweden.
• No application is needed. The deduction is made directly on your bill.
• Examinations, X-rays and preventive care are not included in the enhanced protection.
• You benefit from the reform at all our clinics.

What does the reform mean?

The reform is an enhanced form of high-cost protection, called special dental care compensation in the regulations. Previously, you received compensation only once your dental care costs had passed SEK 3 000 within twelve months. With the enhanced protection, you instead pay 10 per cent of the reference price for each treatment covered, from the first krona. The reference price is the price the state bases its compensation on and is set by the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency, TLV. If the clinic's price is lower than the reference price, the lower price is used instead.

What is included, and what is not?

The enhanced protection mainly covers treatment of disease and injury: fillings, root canal treatments, emergency treatment for pain, and disease treatment at the dental hygienist, such as removal of tartar below the gum line. New crowns, bridges and implants are covered for the front ten teeth in each jaw.

Examinations, X-rays and preventive care such as polishing and fluoride varnish are not included in the enhanced protection. They cost the same as before, but there you can use your general dental care allowance of SEK 600 per year from the year you turn 67, and the ordinary high-cost protection applies as before.

Worked examples

The examples are based on Försäkringskassan's rules for 2026 and on the reference price. If the clinic's price is higher than the reference price, you pay the difference yourself, so always ask for a cost estimate.

• Filling a cavity. If the filling has a reference price of SEK 1 200, you pay SEK 120.
• Acute toothache. Treatment of pain and injury is covered, so you pay 10 per cent of the reference price for emergency visits too.
• Examination and tartar removal above the gum line. Not included in the enhanced protection. You pay the ordinary price, minus your dental care allowance.

Frequently asked questions

Does the reform apply to me?

Yes, if you turn 67 or older during the year and are insured in Sweden. The protection applies from the year you turn 67.

Do I need to apply?

No. The clinic claims the compensation from Försäkringskassan, and the deduction appears directly on your bill.

What happens to my dental care allowance?

You still receive the general dental care allowance, SEK 600 per year from the year you turn 67. It can be used for examinations and preventive care that fall outside the enhanced protection.

Do I have to go to a particular dentist?

No. The reform applies at all dentists and dental hygienists connected to the state dental care subsidy scheme, including us in Älmhult, Ljungby and Alvesta.

Can the amounts change?

Yes. The levels are set by the state and can change. Försäkringskassan always has the full, current conditions.

How it works with us

We go through what applies to you, and what the treatment costs, before we begin. If you want to know more about the allowances and high-cost protection in general, everything is gathered in our advice article Dental care allowances and high-cost protection – how they work in 2026. If you have questions about your own protection, you are welcome to book an appointment or call your clinic.