There are five different groups of people who can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment
NHS dental charges start from £27.40(Image: PA)
There are five different groups of people who can get dental appointments and treatment for free on the NHS. Unlike visiting a GP, NHS dental services aren’t free of charge for everyone.
Charges on the NHS for dental costs range from £27.90 for a routine check-up to £326.70 for more complex procedures such as fitting crowns or dentures. The NHS clearly states that the majority of adults must pay for dental visits and treatments, with costs varying based on the treatment needed.
The NHS explains: “If you pay for NHS dental treatment, the cost depends on what treatment the dental healthcare professional thinks you need. The dental professional should tell you how much it will cost before they start any treatment.”
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It comes after NHS dental costs in England increased in April by around 1.7 per cent, with the cost of a routine check-up (Band 1) increasing from £27.40 to £27.90. Band 2 treatments like fillings, root canal treatments and tooth extractions will now cost £76.60, while Band 3 treatments like dentures or crowns will cost £332.10.
Dental treatments are categorised into three pricing bands, each with its own cost. The NHS guidance is: “If you need a mix of treatments from different bands, you’ll pay for the cost of the highest band of treatment you’re having. If you need a mix of treatments from the same band, you’ll only pay the band charge once.”, reports the Mirror.
Who gets free NHS dental care in England
There are five different groups of people who can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment. These are:
You’re aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time educationYou’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 monthsYou’ve had a stillbirth in the past 12 monthsYou’re getting treatment in an NHS hospital from a hospital dentist (but you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges)You receive War Pension Scheme payments, or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability
Another six groups of individuals also do not have to pay. You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner receive certain benefits including:
Income SupportIncome-based Jobseeker’s AllowanceIncome-related Employment and Support AllowancePension Credit Guarantee CreditPension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings CreditUniversal Credit – but only if your income is below a certain amount
If you or your partner receive benefits that mean you can get free dental treatment from the NHS, your dependents aged under 20 can also get free dental treatment.
Getting free treatment
The NHS advises people: “If you’re eligible, you can only get free NHS dental treatment. You’ll need to pay for any private dental treatment.
“Depending on the reason, you’ll need to give your dentist proof that you can get free NHS dental treatment.” Examples of proof include:
A valid HC2 certificate – available for people on a low incomeYour birth certificateA valid maternity exemption certificate (MatB1)A notification of birth form, or your baby’s birth certificateA stillbirth certificate
If you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and get free dental treatment, you’ll usually need to pay for it yourself first and claim the money back from Veterans UK.
Who can get help with some dental costs
If you’re not eligible for free NHS dental treatment and you’re on a low income, you may still be able to get help with paying part of the cost from the NHS Low Income Scheme.
If you get help from the NHS Low Income Scheme, you’ll get an HC3 certificate which will show how much you’ll pay for dental treatment. You’ll need to show your HC3 certificate to your dentist.
