NHS Eligibility

Free NHS Dental Treatment or Help With Health Costs

You don’t have to pay for NHS dental treatment if you’re:

• Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• Pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 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 (Not Contribution Based)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (Not Contribution Based)
• Pension Credit (Not savings Credit)
• Universal Credit (in certain circumstances – No earnings or Earnings within allowed limit)

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 – available for people on a low income

If you’re named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

You’ll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you don’t have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment. You’ll also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you don’t have to pay.

If you’re seen under the NHS, you’ll be required to complete a Practice Record Form. The Practice Record Form is an NHS requirement and a declaration to the NHS for which you are responsible for. This informs the NHS whether you’re in receipt of a dental exemption which excludes you from paying NHS charges or whether you should pay for your dental charges. Failure to complete the Practice Record Form may result in an NHS appointment being declined. If you’re found to have wrongly claimed free or reduced costs for NHS dental treatment, you’ll be asked to pay the full cost of the treatment and may receive a penalty charge from the NHS.

Routine checks are carried out on claims including claims where evidence of entitlement is shown to the dental practice.

If treatment is required, you will also be asked to sign a FP17DC form or a printed treatment plan which details the NHS and/or Private treatment suggested, along with the prices associated with the treatment(s).

When registering you’ll be required to complete a Medical History Form. You’ll then be asked to check and sign your medical history on an annual basis. We ask that you keep us updated of any health changes as well as contact details.