About 22 percent of Dutch adults have avoided visiting the dentist because of cost, according to a survey conducted among participants of the Hart van Nederland panel. That equals more than one in five people.

The survey also found that 32 percent of adults either skipped a dental visit or postponed making an appointment in the past year for financial reasons or other causes. Nearly one in three people did not receive routine check-ups or treatments.

Money is the main reason for avoiding care. Since most adult dental treatments are no longer covered by the basic health insurance package, patients must pay out of pocket, which can be unaffordable for some.

Fear of the dentist was cited by 10 percent of respondents, and 5 percent gave other reasons. Some participants listed multiple causes, which is why the totals exceed 32 percent.

To address this, the municipality of The Hague started a pilot program with a free dental bus. People without a dentist or facing financial difficulties can receive care there. Demand is high, and the bus schedule is fully booked through the end of the pilot.