Everyone is entitled to free NHS dental checkups. However, you may have to pay for treatments such as a scale and rinse aid, a filling, or a root canal. A dentist can also charge for missed appointments. If you receive one of these benefits, your partner and any dependent youth under the age of 20 are also entitled to free treatment.
If you receive a contribution-based job-search subsidy, a contribution-based employment and support subsidy, you are not automatically entitled to free dental treatment from the NHS. However, you can apply for help through the NHS Low Income Program. If you receive the Pension Credit Savings Credit on your own, you are not automatically entitled to free dental treatment from the NHS. You are entitled to free dental treatment from the NHS if, at the time of being accepted for treatment, you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
You are entitled to free dental treatment from the NHS if you have applied to participate in the NHS Low Income Program and have received an HC2 certificate for full help with health costs. How to access information about helping with NHS health costs in other languages. You will also need the HC5 (D) reimbursement claim form for dental charges (PDF, 59 kb), explaining why you are requesting a refund. If you have an HC3 for partial help with health costs, you can also get help with the cost of NHS dental treatment.
The NHS Inform helpline cannot tell you which dental offices are currently accepting new patients. During your dental checkup, your dentist will ask you a series of questions, including any changes you have noticed in your teeth and any general health problems you have or are experiencing. If you receive Universal Credit (UC), you will only receive free dental treatment if your income falls below certain limits during the most recent evaluation period. If you have a dental problem, you should, first of all, always call the dental office you normally attend by phone.
If one or more of the criteria listed below apply to you when you start your treatment, you will be entitled to free dental care from the NHS. The NHS Low Income Program (LIS) can provide partial help with the cost of their dental care for those who do not qualify for full help but who still have a low income. You cannot claim reimbursement for the cost of private dental treatment or sundries, such as toothbrushes, on the NHS. This band covers emergency care, such as pain relief or a temporary filling, in a primary care dental office.
Amendments to regulations covering the cost of NHS dental care will mean that around 600,000 young people will benefit from free dental care from the end of August, subject to Parliament's approval. After a dental exam, the dentist will advise you on any treatment you need and the likely cost. Yesterday (Tuesday, June 15), new measures were presented in the Scottish Parliament to provide free NHS dental care to all young people aged 18 to 25 (inclusive).
