Second Opinion at the Dentist – Your Right as a Patient
When is a second dental opinion useful? How do you proceed? All steps, costs and legal basis in Austria.
Contents of this guide
When is a second opinion useful?
A second dental opinion is not only sensible in many situations — it is expressly recommended. Particularly for complex or costly treatments, you should not hesitate to seek a further professional assessment. As a patient in Austria, you have an explicit legal right to do so — with no obligation to provide a reason.
Typical situations in which a second opinion is especially valuable include the recommendation of dental implants or extensive prosthetic restorations, complex root canal treatments on important teeth, and surgical procedures as part of periodontal therapy. A second opinion is also advisable when a tooth is declared non-restorable or when a treatment and cost plan shows expenses of several thousand euros.
Furthermore, a second opinion is appropriate if you feel insufficiently informed by your dentist's explanations, if treatment alternatives have not been discussed, or if you feel that the recommended therapy does not match your symptoms. Trust your instincts — a well-founded second professional assessment provides reassurance and helps you make the right decision for your health.
Dental Implants
When one or more implants are recommended, especially in cases of complex bone conditions or high costs.
Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth is classified as requiring treatment or even deemed non-restorable.
Extensive Prosthetic Restorations
For bridges, dentures or ceramic restorations with total costs exceeding €1,000.
Periodontal Surgery
Before surgical procedures on the gums or jawbone to treat periodontitis.
Orthodontics
For recommended braces or aligners for adults, as well as for disputed treatment plans.
Unclear Diagnosis
When you are uncertain about the diagnosis or treatment alternatives have not been adequately explained.
How to proceed
The process of obtaining a second opinion can be broken down into clear steps that provide security and structure. Begin by asking your current dentist for all relevant records. You have a statutory right to these in Austria — you are not required to give a reason. Feel free to let your dentist know that you would like a second assessment. Reputable dentists actively support this.
In the next step, choose a suitable practice for the second opinion. Pay attention to specialisation in the relevant area: for implant-related questions, this should be an implantology-focused practice; for periodontitis questions, an experienced periodontist. Prepare for the consultation by writing down your questions and bringing all your existing treatment records with you.
- 1
Request records from your primary dentist
Ask verbally or in writing for copies of all relevant documents: X-rays, treatment and cost plan, examination reports and periodontal status.
- 2
Choose a suitable practice for the second opinion
Look for a practice specialising in the relevant area. The Austrian Dental Chamber can help you find specialist dentists.
- 3
Prepare your questions
Write down your questions: Is the diagnosis correct? What alternatives are available? What happens if I do not proceed with treatment? How urgent is the procedure?
- 4
Book an appointment and bring your records
When making the appointment, mention that you are seeking a second opinion. Bring all your documents so that new X-rays are not required.
- 5
Compare results and make your decision
Compare both recommendations carefully. If you remain uncertain, you may also seek a third opinion or contact the patient ombudsman.
Documents and preparation
For a second opinion to be truly valuable, the second dentist needs complete and up-to-date records. The better prepared these are, the more precise and well-founded the assessment will be. You may also avoid additional X-rays, saving both time and money.
X-rays (OPG/CBCT)
Current images are the most important basis. Ask your dentist for a copy or digital transfer.
Treatment and cost plan
The treatment and cost plan lists all planned procedures and costs. Without it, the second dentist cannot assess the proposed treatment plan.
Examination reports and documentation
All available findings, laboratory values and treatment records help with the assessment.
Prepare your questions
Write down your specific questions: Why is this treatment necessary? Are there alternatives? What happens if I wait?
Costs and insurance
In Austria, a second dental opinion is generally a private-pay service. Statutory health insurance covers the costs only in exceptional cases. However, many supplementary insurance plans reimburse a portion of the costs.
| Service | Insurance | Private (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Second-opinion consultation (30 min.) | Not covered | € 50–100 |
| Second opinion with findings analysis | Not covered | € 80–150 |
| Second opinion incl. CBCT evaluation | Not covered | € 150–300 |
Legal basis
In Austria, patients have a statutory right to access their medical records. This means your dentist is obliged to provide you, upon request, with copies of your X-rays, examination reports and treatment and cost plan. Seeking a second opinion is your absolute right — a reputable dentist will not regard this as a sign of distrust, but will respect it as an informed patient decision.
Your right to your records
Under Austrian patient rights legislation, you have the right to inspect and obtain copies of your complete medical records. Your dentist may not refuse to release them. If they do, you can contact the patient ombudsman in your federal state.
Checklist: What should be clarified in advance?
Tap an item to check it off.
Häufige Fragen (FAQ)
All prices stated on this page are average market reference values for the Austrian market (as of 2025). These are expressly not fixed prices of the Institute or any specific practice. Actual costs may vary significantly depending on clinical findings, scope of treatment, chosen material, and the individual practice. Binding cost information is available exclusively through a personalised treatment cost estimate (Heilkostenplan) from your treating dentist.
Further Guides
Clinical Partner
Consultation at Smile4Life
For a clinical assessment of your individual situation — in Vienna, 1010.
Medical note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a licensed dentist or specialist. The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna is a non-profit, independent scientific platform — not a treatment facility. All content reflects current scientific literature; individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional.