Toothache and cavities: Which EU countries struggle the most with access to dental care?

More than 6% of people in the EU aged 16 or older reported being unable to access dental care in 2024, according to the latest Eurostat figures.

The highest rates of unmet dental care needs were reported in Greece at 27.1%, Latvia at 16.5%, and Romania at 16.2%.

By contrast, the lowest shares were observed in Malta at 0.4%, Germany at 0.9%, and Croatia at 1.1%.

The share of people at risk of poverty who reported unmet dental care needs in 2024 was substantially higher, at 13.7%, than that of those not at risk of poverty, at 5.1%.

This disparity was observed across all EU countries.

The most significant differences were observed in Romania, with a gap of 30.9 percentage points, and in Greece, with a gap of 30.1.

Large differences were also observed in Latvia (24.5 percentage points) and Portugal (20.5 percentage points).

On the other hand, Germany (1.3 percentage points), Malta (1.5 percentage points) and Poland (1.7 percentage points) had the smallest gaps between the rates of unmet dental care needs for those at risk of poverty compared to those not at risk.

What are the reasons for difficulties in accessing a dentist?

Financial constraints, long waiting times and distance from dental providers are among the primary reasons people do not access dental care.

The cost of dental services is the most common reason for unmet dental needs in 23 of the 27 EU countries.

For instance, in Spain and Italy, at least three-quarters of the population cited cost as the main barrier.

However, four EU countries reported different reasons for unmet dental care needs.

In Finland and Slovenia, long waiting lists were identified as the most significant obstacle.

In Czechia, expenses and waiting lists were equally cited as reasons for unmet needs.

Meanwhile, in Malta, fear was the leading concern.

The reasons for unmet dental care also vary by age group.

In the EU, individuals aged 65 and older reported higher rates of unmet dental needs due to cost, travel distance, or waiting times compared to younger individuals aged 16-44.