Tariff point values and tariff points at the dentist
Dentists charge for their services according to tariff point values. Is there a list of tariff point values for dentists? What is the SSO tariff all about? Comparis answers your most pressing questions.
15.07.2022
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1. What are tariff point values at the dentist?
The tariff point value – or tax point value – (TPV) is the value in francs per tariff point (TP) payable for a dental service. The number of tariff points indicates the time and work involved for a particular service. More complex treatments require more tariff points. All dentists and dental practices set their own tariff point values.
2. Who pays for dental costs?
You usually pay for the cost of dental treatment yourself. If you have supplemental dental insurance, it will cover dental costs in certain cases.
3. How are dental costs calculated?
Tariff points are defined for each dental service (e.g. dental x-ray). The cost of a dental service is calculated by multiplying the tariff point value by the tariff points.
Formula: tariff points of service (TP) x tariff point value (TPV) = cost
Example: an x-ray worth 19.20 tariff points is carried out by a dentist who has set a tariff point value of CHF 1.20
Calculation: 19.20 (TP) x CHF 1.2 (TPV) = CHF 23.05
4. What is the SSO tariff?
The tariff points for all dental services are available on the dental tariff list (in German) of the Swiss Dental Association (SSO). According to the SSO tariff, the maximum tariff point value should not exceed CHF 1.70, and tariff points should be within +/-15% of the standard tariff points (see table).
5. Recommended tariff points for frequently used services
| Zahnärztliche Leistung | Normtaxpunkte für UVG/MVG/IVG und KVG | Empfohlene Taxpunkte für selbstzahlende / zusatzversicherte Patienten |
|---|---|---|
| Dental x-rays (intraoral x-rays) | 19.20 | 16.30 to 22.10 |
| Brief examination of acute patient | 33.10 | 28.10 to 38.10 |
| (Initial) diagnosis; second opinion | 73.20 | 62.20 to 84.20 |
| Treatment by dental hygienist, per 5 minutes | 15.70 | 13.30 to 18.10 |
| Crowns (dental caps) | 453.20 | 385.20 to 521.20 |
6. Tariff points vary by insurance claim type
Special cases are dental treatments covered by social insurance or basic health insurance. The authorities define the tariff points for any dental services provided in accordance with the Accident Insurance Act, Military Insurance Act and Disability Insurance Act or the Health Insurance Act.
The relevant social insurance covers the costs for cases that fall under the Accident, Military and Disability Insurance Acts. Basic health insurance covers the costs for cases that fall under the Health Insurance Act, minus the coinsurance and deductible.
This article was first published on 15.07.2022
