Austrian Dental Act updated: first copy of patient records free, new cost-plan threshold defined
The Dental Quality Assurance Act 2026 (Zahnärztequalitätssicherungsgesetz 2026, BGBl. I Nr. 64/2026) amends the Austrian Zahnärztegesetz (Dental Practitioners Act). Patients are now entitled to receive the first copy of their dental records free of charge, and the threshold requiring a mandatory written treatment-and-cost plan is set at 70% of the average net monthly wage.
What changed
The threshold for a mandatory written treatment-and-cost plan (Heil- und Kostenplan) is now 70% of the average Austrian net monthly wage as calculated by Statistik Austria; the Dental Chamber (Österreichische Zahnärztekammer) must publish this figure by 1 December each year. Patients are entitled to one free copy of their dental records; further copies are available against cost reimbursement. A sector-specific health identifier (bPK GH) is added to the electronic dentists' register (Zahnärzteliste), and the categories of publicly accessible register data are clarified.
Who is affected
All dental patients in Austria and all practising dentists are affected. Most new provisions entered into force the day after publication of BGBl. I Nr. 64/2026; provisions relating to § 22 take effect on 1 July 2026, and § 19 paragraphs 7–9 on 1 January 2028.
What to look out for
Patients may ask to see their dental records at any time; the first copy must be provided free of charge. Dentists are required to display their fee guidelines (Autonome Honorar-Richtlinien) in a place clearly visible to patients. Whenever significant treatment costs are anticipated, patients should request a written Heil- und Kostenplan before treatment begins.