Jeseník region faces dentist shortage as residents seek care in Poland

Over 9,000 residents in the Jeseník region of the Czech Republic lack access to local dentists or must travel outside the region for care. Many residents currently travel to Polish towns like Głuchołazy, though they must pay for these services out of pocket.

While a recent amendment to the public health insurance law theoretically allows insurance companies to contract with foreign providers in border regions, this has not yet translated into practical relief for the area. Local municipalities are attempting to attract dentists to maintain regional stability, as many existing practitioners are over 70 and approaching retirement.

Currently, the General Health Insurance Company (VZP) and the Military Health Insurance Company (VZP) have stated they have not received requests to establish contracts with dentists in Poland to cover the Jeseník region, noting that the current number of requests for cross-border coverage has not yet reached a level requiring such negotiations.