NHS Dental Costs & Eligibility Criteria

The NHS dental charges greatly depend on the type of dental treatment you need to undergo.

Typically, you will have to pay only one fee for the treatment, even if you will have to visit the dentist several times for the completion of the treatment. Only the minor dental treatments are free of charge through the NHS.

Here are the NHS dental care charges & bands:

Band 1 Dental treatments NHS

-You will need to pay £17.50. This band includes one dental examination, an X-ray, and dental educational tips on how to maintain your teeth and gums healthy. Other treatments included in this band are teeth scaling and polishing, dental sealants and fluoride varnish treatment.

Band 2 dental treatments NHS

-You will need to pay £48. In this band there are included all treatments in band 1+ root canal treatments, dental fillings and tooth extractions.

Band 3 dental treatments NHS

-For this most comprehensive coverage, you will need to pay £209.00. This band includes all treatments in Band 1+ Band 2 and dentures, bridges or dental crowns.

NHS dental treatment is completely free in the following cases:

- for children under 18 years of age
- for pregnant women or women who gave birth in the last 12 months. Remember that you need to present your MatEX (the maternity exemption certificate) which is your proof in order to get free NHS dental treatments. In case you gave birth well over 12 months ago, you are not entitled to free care.
- for people under 19 who are in full time educational system
- people receiving Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit or income-related Employment & Support Allowance.

You are not exempt from NHS dental treatment charges if you receive:

- Incapacity Benefit
- Contribution-based Employment & Support Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Council Tax Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit savings credit

People who are on a low income, can get eligible for financial support through the NHS Low Income Scheme (known as LIS). The forms needed for application, can be required at any Jobcentre Plus location, or even your optician or your dentist can offer you such a form.

First, you need to fill out the form known as HC1 and then wait for a response. Keep in mind that you can be eligible for this kind of financial support only if your income is much lower than your medical requirements.