Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England?
You do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you’re:
- under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
- receiving low income benefits, or you’re under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits
Low income benefits
You’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
- Universal Credit (depending on your earnings)
Certificates to help with
health costs
You can receive free NHS dental treatment if you’re entitled to or named on:
- a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- a valid HC2 certificate – which is available for people on a low income
- a valid maternity exemption certificate
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get part of the cost of dental treatment paid for.
People on a low income can include some students and pensioners.
You’ll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you do not have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment.
You’ll also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you do not have to pay.
How much will I pay for NHS dental treatment?
If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, the amount you spend will depend on what treatment you need.
Some people do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment.
Find out who’s entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England
NHS dental charges
There are 3 NHS charge bands:
Band 1: £26.80
Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish (if clinically needed), and planning for further treatment.
Band 2: £73.50
Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions).
Band 3: £319.10
Covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges.
Find out what’s included in each NHS dental band charge, or ask your dentist to explain the charge for your treatment.
What if I need more treatment?
If, within 2 calendar months of completing a course of treatment, you need more treatment from the same or lower charge band, such as another filling, you do not have to pay anything extra.
If the additional treatment needed is in a higher band, you’ll have to pay for the new NHS course of treatment.
But once 2 months have passed after completing a course of treatment, you’ll have to pay the NHS charge band for any NHS dental treatment received.
Certain treatments (including lost items) are guaranteed for 12 months from the date they were completed.
These are:
- fillings
- root fillings
- inlays
- porcelain veneers
- crowns
Treatments provided under this guarantee must be similar or related to the original treatment, but they do not have to be like for like.
Emergency or urgent treatment
If you require urgent care, you’ll pay a Band 1 charge of £25.80.
Most urgent treatments can be done in 1 appointment.
Once your urgent course of treatment is complete, you may be advised to make another appointment for a separate course of non-urgent treatment.
In this case, the relevant NHS banding charge will apply.
When you do not have to pay
There’s no dental charge:
- for denture repairs
- to have stitches removed
- if your dentist has to stop blood loss
- if your dentist only has to write out a prescription – but if you pay for prescriptions, you’ll have to pay the usual prescription charge of £9.65
Referral to another dentist
If you’re referred to another dentist to complete your treatment, the amount you pay is dependent on the type of referral and whether the NHS treatment is carried out as 1 course of treatment.
Your dentist will inform you how much you have to pay.
If you’re referred to a private dentist (and you accept this option), you’ll:
- pay the appropriate NHS banding charge to the dentist who referred you
- also pay a fee for the dental work carried out by the private dentist you’re referred to
What are the Types of Dental Implants?
- Single Tooth Replacement
- Multiple Teeth Replacement
- Full Arch or Complete Tooth Loss
Who is suitable for dental implants?
Generally, individuals with good overall health, adequate bone density in the jaw, and healthy gums are suitable candidates for dental implants. A thorough evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon is necessary.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants offer several advantages, including improved stability, functionality, and aesthetics compared to other tooth replacement options. They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw.
How Long is the Procedure?
The duration of dental implant surgery typically ranges from one to two hours per implant, but this can vary based on factors like the complexity of the case and the need for additional procedures
