These rules apply solely to NHS dental treatments – if you opt for private care, you will be responsible for payment
Visiting the dentist isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of a great day out. And with routine check-ups typically costing £27.40, it’s easy to see why many people skip them altogether.
However, you may be surprised to learn that certain people living in England may qualify for free dental appointments and treatments when using the NHS. This particularly applies to those of a certain age and anyone claiming several key benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Below, the Mirror has explored who is eligible for this and what steps you can take next. If you’ve paid for NHS dental treatment but discover you are eligible for free appointments, you may also qualify for a refund.
Who can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment in England?
According to the NHS, there are five groups of people who automatically qualify for free NHS dental care. This specifically includes the following:
- You’ve had a stillbirth in the past 12 months
- You’re getting treatment in an NHS hospital from a hospital dentist (but you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges)
- You receive War Pension Scheme payments, or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability
- You’re aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- You’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
Additionally, you might qualify if you or your partner is receiving certain government benefits. Dependants under 20 years old may benefit from this, too, provided you are claiming:
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
- Universal Credit – but only if your income is below a certain amount
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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It’s important to remember that these rules only apply to NHS dental treatments. If you seek private care, you’ll be responsible for payment. Usually, you’ll also need to provide proof of eligibility for free NHS care, though this may depend on the reason for your exemption.
Examples of proof approved by the NHS include:
- A valid maternity exemption certificate
- A maternity certificate (MatB1)
- A notification of birth form, or your baby’s birth certificate
- A stillbirth certificate
- A valid HC2 certificate – available for people on a low income
- Your birth certificate
Nonetheless, official NHS advice adds: “If you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and get free dental treatment, you’ll usually need to pay for it yourself first and claim the money back from Veterans UK.”
How can I check my eligibility?
If you believe you qualify for free NHS dental care, visit the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website to check. The site offers a free eligibility test that typically takes about three minutes to complete. If eligible, it will guide you through the next steps to claim assistance.
Anyone who believes they have paid incorrectly for NHS dental appointments may qualify for a refund.
What is the NHS Low Income Scheme?
Even if you’re not eligible for free dental care, you might still be able to get financial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme not only covers dental visits but also helps with other essential costs like prescriptions, eye tests, wigs, and travel expenses for treatment.
How much you’re eligible to receive largely depends on your weekly income, savings, and essential expenses at the time of application. You can only apply online if you have no capital or savings exceeding £6,000, and must also be at least one of the following:
- Receiving state benefits
- Living in a care home
- A pensioner
- A student
- Earning a wage
Advice from the NHSBSA adds: “If the amount you have left is low, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Any help you’re entitled to is also available to your partner, if you have one.
“If you have already paid for treatment, you can apply for a refund at the same time as you apply for the scheme. We will normally assess your application within 18 working days from the date we get your form.”
For more information on the help available, head to the NHSBSA website here.
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