Free NHS Dental Care offers essential dental treatment at no cost to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. This service is available to groups such as those receiving certain benefits, pregnant women, new mothers, and individuals under 18 or in full-time education. It ensures that everyone can access vital dental care, regardless of their financial circumstances, by providing support through the NHS.

You may be eligible for free NHS dental care if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Receiving Specific Benefits

You can receive free NHS dental treatment if you, or your partner, are receiving the following benefits:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  
  

Universal Credit, if your earnings during your most recent assessment period were £435 or less, or £935 or less if you have children or limited capability for work.

2. Pregnant Women and New Mothers|

Pregnant women are eligible for free NHS dental care during pregnancy.

New mothers are entitled to free dental treatment for 12 months after the birth of their child. 

You will need to show your MATB1 certificate or your baby's birth certificate at the dental practice.

3. Under 18 or Under 19 in Full-Time Education

Anyone aged under 18 can receive free NHS dental treatment.

Those aged under 19 and in full-time education are also eligible.

4. NHS Low Income Scheme

If you are on a low income but do not qualify for the benefits listed, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). Depending on your income, you may qualify for full help (HC2 certificate) or partial help (HC3 certificate) with dental costs.

5. Receiving Other Benefits or Allowances

Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit recipients may also qualify for free NHS dental care, provided their income is below a certain threshold and they receive an exemption certificate.

6. Individuals in a Care Home

Residents in care homes who are receiving free care and whose savings or income fall below a certain limit may qualify for free dental treatment.

7. War Pensioners

If you are receiving a War Pension and your treatment is related to your pensionable injury, you may also qualify for free NHS dental treatment.

Proof of Eligibility

To access free NHS dental care, you may need to provide proof of your entitlement, such as:

• A benefit award letter or Universal Credit statement.
  
  

• A valid HC2 or HC3 certificate.
  
  

• MATB1 certificate or baby’s birth certificate for new mothers.
  
  

• Full-time education proof (for those under 19).
  
  

Be sure to inform your dentist of your eligibility when booking an appointment to ensure the correct charges (if any) are applied.

If you meet the criteria, you'll automatically be entitled to free dental treatment.

NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)

If you are on a low income but don’t automatically qualify for free treatment, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). Here’s how:

Get an HC1 form: You can get an HC1 form from your local Jobcentre Plus office, NHS hospital, or by calling the NHS Help with Health Costs helpline.

Complete the HC1 form: Provide details about your income, savings, and household costs.

Submit the form:

Send the completed HC1 form to the address provided on the form.

Receive your certificate:

If eligible, you'll receive an HC2 certificate for full help or an HC3 certificate for partial help with dental and other healthcare costs.

Visit the Dentist

Make an appointment with an NHS dentist and inform them that you're applying for or are entitled to free NHS dental treatment.

Show your proof of eligibility during your visit to ensure you’re not charged for the treatment.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact NHS Help with Health Costs for assistance, or visit the NHS website for more information.

If you qualify for free NHS dental treatment, the following dental care is covered under the NHS:

Routine Examinations

• Regular check-ups to monitor your oral health.

• Examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental issues.
  
  

Preventative Care

• Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar buildup (if necessary).

• Fluoride varnish or treatments to protect teeth from decay.

• Advice on dental hygiene, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Restorative Treatments

• Fillings to repair cavities or damaged teeth (amalgam for back teeth, composite for front teeth).

• Root canal treatments to save teeth that are infected or have decayed.

• Crowns to restore broken or damaged teeth (metal or porcelain).
  
  

Tooth Extractions

• Removal of teeth that are beyond repair or causing issues, including wisdom teeth if necessary.
  
  

Emergency Treatment

• Immediate care for sudden dental pain, swelling, or infection.

• Temporary fillings or repairs in case of broken teeth or crowns.

Dentures and Bridges

• Full or partial dentures to replace missing teeth.

• Fixed bridges to fill gaps between teeth, where applicable.

• Orthodontic Treatment (for eligible patients)

• Braces or other corrective devices for children under 18 with clinical need.

• Orthodontic care is not usually covered for adults unless it's necessary for health reasons.
  
  

What is Not Covered?

• Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, dental implants, or veneers are not covered under the NHS.

• Certain advanced treatments (e.g., aesthetic orthodontics) may only be available privately.
  
  

NHS dental care covers only clinically necessary procedures, ensuring you receive the essential care needed to maintain your dental health.