NHS DENTISTRY

NHS dental treatment can provide all of the treatment that is necessary in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes treatments such as dentures, crowns, and bridges.

Am I entitled to free NHS treatment?

You still receive free NHS dental treatment if you meet the exemption criteria:-

• aged under 18,

• aged 18 and 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, or

• an NHS Hospital Dental Service out-patient (although there may be a charge for dentures and bridges).

• you are getting, or your partner gets 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, or

• you are named on a valid HC2 certificate.

• What are the patient charges under the NHS?

  If you pay for NHS dental treatment, there are three standard charges.

  Band 1 course of treatment
  £23.80 - This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g.: x-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if needed.

  Urgent treatment when you need to see a dentist immediately also costs £23.80.

  Band 2 course of treatment
  £65.20 - This covers everything listed in Band 1, above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

  Band 3 course of treatment
  £282.80 - This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.

  So, for example, an examination, diagnosis, and preventive advice will cost £18.80; an examination, diagnosis, preventive advice and one or more fillings will cost £51.30; and an examination, diagnosis, preventive advice, one or more fillings and one or more crowns will cost £222.50.