Free NHS dental treatment in England: who qualifies
By Dr Faiz Azizan Data last checked How we list clinics
In England, NHS dental treatment is free for some groups, including children under 18, people under 19 in qualifying full-time education, pregnant women and those who had a baby in the last 12 months, and people receiving certain benefits. Check the current rules on NHS.uk and tell the practice before treatment.
Main groups
Free NHS dental treatment is available to people in categories such as under 18, under 19 and in qualifying full-time education, pregnancy and the first year after birth, and some people receiving specified benefits. Some treatment given in an NHS hospital may also be free.
How to claim
Tell the practice you are entitled to free treatment when you book, and bring evidence if asked. Entitlement categories and proof requirements are set by the NHS and can change, so use the NHS page for the current list.
If you are not on the list
If you are on a low income but not automatically entitled, you may qualify for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. See the help with costs guide.
Questions to ask your dentist
- Do I qualify for free NHS dental treatment under any category?
- What evidence of entitlement do you need to see, and when?
- Does free treatment cover everything on my plan, including any lab work?
- If I am not entitled, are there other schemes you can point me to?
Hertfordshire dentists that mention this treatment
Compare practices whose own websites mention this treatment, by town:
Credentials and treatments on those pages are stated by each practice and are not verified; see the methodology.
Sources
This guide is general information compiled by an independent directory, not clinical advice. See the disclaimer and methodology.