- Private Fee Schedule
- NHS Fee Schedule
- Am I entitled to free NHS treatment?
- Practice Newsletter
- Leave a Review
- Useful Links
- Tooth Whitening
- Practice Policy on Appointments
- Complaints Procedure
- General Dental Council (GDC) Standards
- General Data Protection Regualtions (GDPR) Data Protection 2018/Privacy Notice
- Privacy Notice for Children
- Patient Safety Charter
- NHS Friends and Family Feedback
- Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
- Quality Assurance Policy
- Statement of Purpose
- Cold Sores and Treatment
| Tell Your Friends! |
Am I entitled to free NHS treatment?
You do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if, when your treatment starts, you are:
- under 18
- under 19 and in full-time education
- pregnant or you’ve had a baby within the 12 months before treatment starts
- staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries out your treatment
- an NHS Hospital Dental Service outpatient (although you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges)
You can also get free NHS dental treatment if, when the treatment starts or when you’re asked to pay:
- you’re included in an award of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit or Universal credit (check entitlement after October 31 2015)
- you’re named on, or entitled to, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- you’re named on a valid HC2 certificate
If you're named on a valid HC3 certificate, you may not have to pay for all your NHS dental treatment. HC2 and HC3 certificates are issued under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
If you receive any of the following benefits you will not be exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment unless you also fall under one of the categories listed above:
- Incapacity Benefit
- contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Council Tax Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit savings credit
Proof of your entitlement
You’ll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you’re entitled to financial help with dental treatment. This will vary depending on your circumstances. To check what documents you need, see the NHS HC11 leaflet: Help with health costs (PDF, 452kb).
NHS Low Income Scheme
The NHS Low Income Scheme provides financial help to people not exempt from charges, but who may be entitled to full or partial help with healthcare costs if they have a low income. Anyone can apply as long as they don’t have savings or investments over the capital limit. In England, the capital limit is £16,000 (or £23,250 if you live permanently in a care home).
Help is based on a comparison between your weekly income and assessed requirements at the time the claim is made. Entitlement broadly follows Income Support rules to decide how much, if anything, you have to pay towards your healthcare costs, including dental treatment.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website has more information about the NHS Low Income Scheme, including how to apply.
Read the answers to more questions about dental health.
Further information:
- Are pregnant women entitled to free NHS prescriptions?
- Tooth decay
- Help with dental costs
- NHS dental services
- Find a local dentist
- Universal Credit
- Leaflet: Help with health costs (PDF, 452kb)
- NHSBSA: help with health costs
- NHSBSA: NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)
At the Dental Centre, we take privacy relating to patient data seriously. We will comply with best professional practice, General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 2018.
For a full copy of our data privacy notice please click on the link General Data Protection Regulations in the practice info to the left of this page, or ask for a copy at reception.
Content on this website is owned by us and our licensors. Do not copy any content (including images) without our consent.