Dental Public Health · MU Sofia

2. Dentistry in the EU: healthcare systems, harmonization of legislation.

Covers the EU's role in dentistry, including how member states' healthcare systems differ and how harmonisation of legislation sets common dental standards. It outlines the aims of EU health policy, the causes of rising healthcare costs, recognised dental specialties, and conditions for dentists to work across member states. It then compares the Beveridge, Bismarck, Kennedy and Semashko models, with Bulgaria's NHIF system and its dental packages, and ends with EU dental education requirements.

Inside: 12 sections · 6 flashcards · 4 min

Topic 14 of 38 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Dental Public Health (Dental Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 12 sections, about 549 words (4 min of reading), with 6 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Dentistry in the EU: Healthcare Systems & Harmonization of Legislation
  2. NHIF Dental Packages
  3. Dentistry in the European Union
  4. WHO concept:
  5. Rising Cost of Healthcare in Europe
  6. Main Healthcare Systems
  7. Beveridge Model
  8. Healthcare funded mainly through taxation
  9. Bismarck Model
  10. Patients may also choose:
  11. Kennedy Model
  12. Semashko Model

Dentistry in the EU: Healthcare Systems & Harmonization of Legislation

  • EU Dental Directives (1978) Before harmonisation, EU countries had different dental education systems, training requirements and qualifications.

NHIF Dental Packages

  • <18 yrs:
  • examination – caries detection preventive care
  • Basic treatment:
  • yearly exam + 3 procedures fillings – extractions restorative treatment/RCT
  • Surgical care:
  • extractions – abscess incision/ drainage – emergency procedures
  • Social groups:
  • underprivileged children – orphans disabilities – prisoners
  • GA treatment:
  • children – psychological/ behavioral problems – severe anxiety

Dentistry in the European Union

  • European Union (EU) = political + economic union of European countries
  • promotes cooperation, public health, education, professional mobility + economic development

Currently: 27 member states (2025).

  • Each EU country has its own healthcare system depending on:
  • history – economy – traditions
  • social values – government policy

Despite differences between countries, the EU creates common healthcare + dental standards through harmonization of legislation

Main Goal of EU Health Systems

  • Safeguard and improve the health of:
  • individuals – groups – society

Main Aims of EU Health Systems

  • strengthen, restore + protect public health
  • prevent premature death + disability
  • improve quality of life + longevity
  • reduce disease, injuries + suffering

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