NHS Dental Care
NHS Dental Care
NHS Band 1
- This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and preventative care such as the application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant if appropriate
NHS Band 2
- This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth but not more complex items covered by Band 3.
NHS Band 3
- This covers everything Listed under Bands 1 & 2 plus some treatments involving a laboratory.
Urgent Treatment
- This covers emergency care in a primary care NHS dental practice such as pain relief or a temporary filling.
Who is entitled to free dental care on the NHS?
You do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if, when the treatment starts, you are:
- Aged under 18
- Under 19 and receiving full-time education
- Pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
- Staying in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
- An NHS hospital dental service outpatient (however, you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges).
You do not have to pay if, during the course of treatment, you or your partner receive:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit guarantee credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
Visit the NHS website to find out if or when you may have to pay for your NHS dental treatment www.nhs.uk
Exemption for pregnant women
Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months get free NHS dental treatment. You may have to show proof such as a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx), a maternity certificate (MATB1), or your baby’s birth certificate. However, if you have given birth more than 12 months ago you will not be entitled to free NHS dental treatment. Please note that your MatEx alone only gives exemption from NHS prescriptions.
Not available on the NHS
The NHS will not provide cosmetic treatment options such as teeth whitening which are not clinically necessary.
Where treatment is clinically necessary the dentist will offer you a treatment option that is clinically appropriate.
If you choose to have alternative treatment options then you will have to pay privately for these.