Dental Care in UK - Things You Need to Know

While medical care for students is free under the NHS, dental care remains payable.    The following information is for simple guidance only.  More details should be sought elsewhere.

1.   Private dental treatment?  Or NHS dental treatment?

The National Health Service pays for the dental treatment of some people, but not all.  People who are not eligible for NHS dental care or not exempt from their charges will have to have private dental treatment, which may be at least three times more expensive. When you call a dentist and explain your status, you are expected to be able to advise them whether you could have NHS treatment.

2.  Who gets dental treatment for free from the NHS in UK?

You are eligible to receive free services from your NHS dentist (i.e. exempt from NHS charges) if, at the beginning of your treatment, you are:

• aged under 18
• aged 18 in full-time education
• pregnant, or have had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts
• an NHS in-patient and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
• an NHS Hospital Dental Service out-patient; does not include dentures, crowns and bridges

Or if, when the treatment starts or when the charge is made:

• you or your partner are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• you are named on a valid HC2 certificate.
• if you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you may be eligible for partial help with dental costs.

HC forms are Health Care related forms that you need to fill in for certain social benefits.  Your dentist or dentist's receptionist will ask for evidence that you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment.  Someone who is on a low income but does not receive any benefits may still be eligible for help with payments.

To check your personal entitlements you can download the HC11 booklet or collect one from a Post Office.  Or telephone the Benefit Enquiry line on 0800 882200.

If you have already paid your dentist and think you are entitled to a refund, you can download the HC5(D) 'Refund Claim Form' or telephone 0845 610 1112 for a copy.  The dentist will not be able to give you a refund directly.

Note: Exemptions and help do not apply to private treatments.