What type of dentistry is available under NHS services?
NHS Dentistry covers necessary to secure and maintain Oral Health following recognised care pathways. Where necessary and appropriate, NHS options are available to restore function and not cosmetics.
At your initial appointment an assessment of the type of work required and requested will be done and a full explanation of the possible options for treatment given.
What type of dentistry is not available under NHS arrangements?
In general, this may be thought of as cosmetic, unnecessary treatments or inappropriate treatments for the person’s Oral Condition. This may include, for example, white fillings on back teeth, tooth whitening, cosmetic veneers and crowns, implants and removal of surface stains that are not effecting Oral Health and bridgework. Orthodontic treatment for adults is not covered by NHS and teenage orthodontic treatment is on referral only with a waiting list of approximately 3 years.
What are the NHS Dental charges?
Under the NHS, the charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course
of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. Each course of treatment should be completed within 2 months, if it is not completed within 2 months you may have to pain NHS dental charges again. The bands for treatment are: Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3.
Please see here to check if you are exempt from NHS dental treatment charges.
You can search your details on the NHSBSA website to check your dental exemption HERE
Please note – if you incorrectly claim an exemption for a dental visit you will receive a fine of £100 from the NHS
If you are not exempt charges are as follows:
Band 1 – £25.80
This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale to remove calculus affecting gum health and the application of fluoride varnish.
Band 2 – £70.70
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work, advanced gum care and if your dentist needs to take out one or
more of your teeth.
Band 3 – £ 306.80
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.
Urgent appointment – £25.80
This is if you are in pain or if prompt care and treatment is required because, in the opinion of the dental practitioner, the person’s oral health is likely to deteriorate significantly. Care and treatment is provided only to the extent that is necessary to prevent that deterioration in oral health or address the causes of dental pain.
Do I qualify as an NHS exempt patient?
You are an exempt patient if you are:
- You are under 18 years of age
- You are 18 years old and in full-time education
- You are pregnant
- You have had a baby in the last 12 months
To check your NHS exemption please follow this link.
Or, you are entitled to free NHS dental services because during the course of treatment you or your partner receive:
- Income support (Incapacity benefit and disability Living Allowance do not count)
- Income based Jobseekers Allowance (Contribution-based does not count)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (Contribution-related does not count)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (Savings Credit on its own does not count)
These are the only benefits that entitle you to free NHS dental services. Proof will be requested upon registration and at subsequent visits to check you are still exempt. Please ask a member of our team if you are unsure whether you are exempt for NHS dental services. If you declare information that isn’t correct, you may be liable for a £100 fine.
See here for more information.
