Hasselt Prison Gets a Dentist, a Year After Inmates Protested Lack of Dental Care

Good news for the detainees at Hasselt prison: after a year of persistent advocacy and a notable protest last year highlighting the severe lack of dental care, the facility has finally reinstated a dentist. This crucial service was confirmed by the Minister of Justice, Vincent Van Quickenborne, during a recent session in the Justice Committee. The situation had become untenable, with reports of inmates suffering from "hellish pains" due to untreated dental issues, a situation that rightly drew criticism and concern.

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Last year, I already highlighted the discussion of substandard dental care in that prison. The recent report of the supervisory committee for 2025 states that people are walking around there with hellish pains.

The issue was brought to the forefront by Member of Parliament Alain Yzermans, who questioned the minister about the substandard dental care provided. The minister's confirmation that a dentist is now available marks a significant improvement and a response to the detainees' legitimate grievances. This development underscores the importance of consistent oversight and the impact of parliamentary inquiry in ensuring basic human rights and healthcare standards within correctional facilities.

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The prison in Hasselt now has a dentist again.

Beyond the immediate reinstatement of a dentist, the Ministry of Justice is actively investigating more sustainable solutions. The exploration of mobile dental services for prisons is a forward-thinking initiative. As Minister Van Quickenborne noted, such services could not only address the immediate need but also offer significant efficiency gains by reducing the need for prisoner transports and streamlining care delivery. The success of this initiative, however, hinges on finding suitable candidates and establishing the necessary infrastructure.

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The administration is working on a tender file. The results of which will hopefully be announced after the summer of 2026.

From a Belgian perspective, this story highlights the ongoing efforts to reform and improve our correctional system. While international news might focus on high-profile legal cases or broader justice reforms, stories like this underscore the practical, on-the-ground changes that directly impact the lives of individuals within the system. Ensuring adequate healthcare, including dental care, for all detainees is a matter of fundamental fairness and human dignity, reflecting our commitment to a just and humane society, even within the confines of a prison.

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That is certainly part of the solution, because at that time many prison transports are also avoided and large efficiency gains can be achieved.