Zeist, June 8th 2010

In 2009, around 400 denturists are having a practice and treat edentless patients. In 1989 the education for denturist was approved by law. In 1997 the profession became by law officially accepted in the country of The Netherlands. The education has been enlarged to a 4 years study in 2007 from a three years study at the Hogeschool Utrecht. Nowadays maximum 24 persons can start this specific education. The average graduation age is 34. We can conclude that the average age of a denturist in The Netherlands is quite high and that more denturists will retire in the near future compared with the newcomers.

We see more demand for services executed by denturists. The % of patients finding the denturists by their own is growing due to the service and support of the Health insurance and the information published on the internet.

At the same time, dentists refer patients to the denturist more and more. Dentist, denturist and dental technician are cooperating more and more intensively. We see to total number of dentures full and partial are declining, however, the demand for denture care maintains at the same level or even will increase.

The break even of demand and supply can become under pressure  and is of mutual interest as well for the patient as well for the occupational group to take matter seriously by the authorities.