Janice Lozano
Are dentists free for university students?
University students can access free or low-cost dental care through a variety of options, including government-funded programs, dental schools, community health centres, and clinical trials. The availability of these services depends on location, income, and eligibility for specific government initiatives. In this article, we will explore the different avenues through which university students can seek affordable dental care.
What You'll Learn
Dental care for university students in England and Northern Ireland
England
In England, dental care on the NHS is free for anyone under 18 or anyone who is 19 and in full-time education. This means that in your first or second year of university, if you are between 18 and 19, you will be able to receive free treatment. However, once you are 20 or older, you will not get free dental care, regardless of your student status. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule, such as if you are pregnant or on a low income.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, dental care is free for under 18s and those who are 18 and in full-time education. Therefore, similarly to England, you will not be able to access free dental care in your later university years once you are 19 or older.
Low-cost options
If you are a university student in England or Northern Ireland and are not eligible for free dental care, there are still some low-cost options available to you. The NHS low-income scheme allows those with low incomes to apply for an exemption certificate or money to pay for things such as prescriptions, dental care, sight tests, and travel to and from appointments. Students are eligible to apply for this scheme.
Additionally, some hospitals and dental schools in the UK offer free or low-cost dental treatment. Most of these require a dentist's or doctor's referral, while a small number allow self-referrals. Many stipulate that to receive free treatment, it is necessary not to be currently registered with a dentist.
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Dental care for university students in Scotland and Wales
Scotland
In Scotland, basic checkups are free for everyone. However, if you require more complex dental treatments, you will need to pay. Nevertheless, you will be eligible for completely free dental treatments on the NHS if you are under 26, are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, or if you have a low income and are receiving certain benefits.
Additionally, some dental schools in Scotland, such as Aberdeen Dental School, Edinburgh Dental School, and Glasgow Dental Hospital, offer free or low-cost dental treatment. However, most of these require a referral from a dentist or doctor, and many require that you are not currently registered with a dentist.
Wales
In Wales, you can get a free basic examination if you are under 25 or over 60. You can get free further complex dental treatment if you are under 18, 18 and in full-time education, are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, are being treated in an NHS hospital, or if you are on a low income and receive certain benefits.
Like Scotland, some dental schools in Wales, such as Cardiff University Dental Hospital, offer free or low-cost dental treatment. However, most of these require a referral, and many require that you are not currently registered with a dentist.
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Dental schools and hygiene schools
- Ohio State University College of Dentistry: This school offers a range of dental services to patients of all ages. Fees are about 40 to 50 percent less than the Columbus-area average, and Medicaid-eligible patients pay even lower fees.
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry: This dental school provides training for future dentists and is one of three dental schools in Illinois.
- Southern Illinois University: This university offers a dental hygiene program as a bachelor's degree, which can take up to four years to complete.
- University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry: UCLA's School of Dentistry provides low-cost or free dental services to the public.
- University of New Mexico: The dental hygiene program at this university is a bachelor's degree program with an annual tuition fee of $10,860 for in-state residents.
- Oregon Institute of Technology-Klamath Falls: This school offers a state-of-the-art dental hygiene program with access to cutting-edge equipment and externship opportunities.
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Government programs
Medicare
Medicare is a health insurance program for people aged 65 and above and people with specific disabilities. However, it does not cover most routine dental care services and is limited to dentures. Some Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, offer dental coverage.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state-run program that provides medical and dental benefits to eligible people and families. Each state has its own guidelines regarding eligibility and covered services. Most states cover dental services for those under the age of 21. For those over 21, states may provide comprehensive services or only limited emergency dental services.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP provides medical services to children up to 19 years of age who do not have health insurance. Dental service coverage varies from state to state. In most cases, CHIP covers dental services for children up to age 19.
Veterans Affairs
Veterans who are eligible for care through the Veterans Administration (VA) may receive dental care benefits as part of their VA benefits. The VA operates more than 200 dental clinics across the United States to serve veterans.
The federal government also funds health initiatives, including dental care, in more than 59 states and jurisdictions through the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant. Over 60 million people accessed care supported by this grant in 2019.
Community Health Centers
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), a federal government agency, runs community health centers (CHCs) that provide free or reduced-cost health services, including dental care. These centers charge based on income level, so patients pay what they can afford.
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Community health centres
In the United States, the federal government's Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) runs federally-funded community health centres (CHC) that offer free or reduced-cost health services, including dental care. The cost of these services depends on the patient's income level.
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Frequently asked questions
In England, Scotland and Wales, dental care is free for students who are 18 or 19 and in full-time education. In Northern Ireland, the dentist is free for those who are 18 and in full-time education.
Yes, there are a few options. Firstly, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which is open to students. Secondly, you can look into dental schools, where students provide low-cost or free dental care under the supervision of licensed dentists. Thirdly, you can explore government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, which may provide dental benefits.
The pros of going to a dental school for dental care include significantly reduced costs (up to 50% discounts or even free) and supervision by licensed dentists. The cons include longer wait times for appointments and procedures, the need to commute to a campus, and limited availability of dental services.
You can search for accredited dental schools in your state or nearby states through the American Dental Association website or your State Board of Dental Examiners website. Alternatively, you can call the dental schools closest to you to inquire about their patient policies and availability.
