Many people assume that using a health insurance card for dental care leaves only one option: going to a public hospital and waiting your turn. That is not quite the case.
- A private dental clinic can accept your health insurance card if it holds a health insurance examination and treatment contract with the social insurance agency.
- Ky Hoa Dental is the Odonto-Stomatology department of Ky Hoa Medical Center, so you can use your health insurance card for dental care here.
- Health insurance covers treatment of conditions such as tooth decay, pulpitis and gingivitis, but not whitening, dental crowns or orthodontics.
- The benefit level is 80%, 95% or 100% of the cost within the covered scope, depending on the category recorded on each person's card.
Many people assume that using a health insurance (BHYT) card for dental care leaves only one option: going to a public hospital, taking a number early in the morning and waiting your turn. That is not quite the case. This article explains when a private clinic is allowed to accept health insurance, and which dental services the card actually covers.
The short answer
Yes - but not every private dental clinic can. The deciding factor is not whether the clinic is public or private, but whether it has signed a health insurance examination and treatment contract with the social insurance agency. Many private dental clinics have not signed such a contract, which is why patients there pay the full cost themselves.
Ky Hoa Dental is the Odonto-Stomatology department of Ky Hoa Medical Center, a general clinic that holds a health insurance examination and treatment contract. That is why you can use your health insurance card for dental care here.
Which dental services does health insurance cover?
The principle is consistent: health insurance pays for treating disease, not for cosmetic wishes. In practice, the group usually within the covered scope includes examination and treatment of tooth decay, pulpitis, gingivitis and periodontitis; dental fillings for decay caused by disease; root canal treatment; tooth extraction indicated by disease; and scaling when it is prescribed as part of treatment.
By contrast, cosmetic and prosthetic services fall outside the covered scope: teeth whitening, cosmetic dental crowns, orthodontics, dental implants, dentures, and routine scaling requested for personal care.
One point is often misunderstood: scaling is covered only when it forms part of treating a condition (for example gingivitis caused by tartar), while routine scaling for cleanliness is a self-paid service. When you come in, the dentist will examine you and tell you which group your case falls into - before any procedure begins.
How much does insurance pay?
Your benefit level depends on the category recorded on your card (80%, 95% or 100% of the cost within the covered scope) under the Law on Health Insurance. Any remaining balance and any services outside the covered scope are explained clearly by our staff before treatment starts - you always know what you will pay before you sit in the chair.
What to know about insured dental visits at Ky Hoa
- Bring with you: your health insurance card (or the VssID/VNeID app) and a photo ID.
- Opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 06:30 - 17:00 - if you work or study during the week, you can come on Saturday and still use your insurance.
- How a visit works: register at the front desk, an Odonto-Stomatology dentist examines you and takes an X-ray if needed, explains which items insurance covers, and only then begins treatment.
- The advantage of a medical centre model: older patients or those with underlying conditions who need a tooth extraction or minor surgery can have their blood pressure taken, tests done and a joint consultation with an internal medicine doctor on the spot.
Frequently asked questions
My initial registered facility is somewhere else. Can I still use my health insurance at Ky Hoa?
In many cases yes, under the current rules on inter-level health insurance care. The safest step is to call our hotline first and read out the details on your card so we can confirm your specific entitlements.
Can children have insured dental care?
Yes. A child who holds a health insurance card, including student health insurance, is entitled to benefits when treating dental conditions, just as an adult is.
Is there a long wait for insured dental visits?
Ky Hoa Dental operates at the scale of a specialist clinic and handles paperwork at a single counter; you can also book ahead by hotline so you can plan your visit.