Douglas Olsen
University students are not automatically entitled to free dental care. However, there are certain exceptions and conditions that may allow students to access free or discounted dental treatment. For instance, in England, free NHS dental treatment is available for individuals under the age of 19 who are in full-time education. Additionally, students below a certain age who are on a low income or receiving specific benefits may be eligible for free or subsidised dental care through the NHS Low Income Scheme. The availability and extent of such support may vary across different parts of the UK, so it is advisable for students to research the specific provisions applicable to their location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | In England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, university students are entitled to free dental care under different conditions. |
| Age | In England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, students under 19 years of age in full-time education are eligible for free dental care. In Scotland, dental care is free for students under 26 years of age. |
| Pregnancy | Pregnant students or those who have given birth in the last 12 months are entitled to free dental care in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. |
| Income | Students with low incomes or those receiving specific benefits may be eligible for free or subsidized dental care in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. |
| Hospital Treatment | Inpatient and outpatient treatment in NHS hospitals is generally free across the UK, but some procedures may incur charges. |
| Student Status | There is no automatic exemption for university students, and they typically have to pay for dental treatment. |
| Dental Schools | Some dental schools and hospitals offer free or low-cost dental services performed by students. |
| Payment Plans | Private dentists may offer payment plans, but NHS dentists do not. |
What You'll Learn
Free dental care for students in England and Northern Ireland
University students in England and Northern Ireland are not entitled to free dental care, except for those who are under 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 get free treatment. However, once you turn 20, you will not get free dental care, regardless of your student status.
England
In England, you are entitled to free dental treatments and examinations if you are under 18, or aged 18-19 and in full-time education. You are also entitled to free dental care if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or if you are receiving low-income benefits. Additionally, you won't have to pay if you are being treated in an NHS hospital rather than a dentist surgery.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the dentist is free for those under 18 and those who are 18 and in full-time education. This means that, similar to England, you will not be able to access free dental care in your later years of university once you are 19 or older.
Low-Income Schemes
Both England and Northern Ireland offer low-income schemes that allow those with low incomes to apply for an exemption certificate or money to help pay for things like dental care. Students are eligible to apply for these schemes and can do so by completing a HC1 form.
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Free dental care for students in Scotland and Wales
University students in the UK are not entitled to free dental care, except for a few specific cases. However, in Scotland and Wales, the dentist is free for students.
Scotland
In Scotland, basic check-ups are free for everyone. However, if you require more complex dental treatments, you will need to pay. You will get completely free dental treatments on the NHS if you are under 26, pregnant, have given birth in the last 12 months, or if you have a low income and are receiving certain benefits.
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, pregnant, 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.
NHS Low-Income Scheme
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 travelling to and from appointments. Students are eligible to apply for the scheme.
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NHS dental treatment costs
In England, you do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you are under 18, or under 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 get free treatment. However, once you turn 20, you will not get free dental care, regardless of whether you are a student or not. There are some exceptions to this, including if you are pregnant or on a low income.
In Northern Ireland, the dentist is free for those under 18 and those who are 18 and in full-time education. This means that, similar to England, you won't be able to get free dental care in your later years of university once you are 19 or older.
In Scotland and Wales, the dentist is free for all students. In Scotland, basic check-ups are free for everyone, but you will need to pay for more complex dental treatments. However, you will get completely free dental treatments on the NHS if you are under 26, are pregnant, have given birth in the last 12 months, or if you have a low income and receive certain benefits. 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, have had a baby in the last 12 months, are treated in an NHS hospital, or if you are on a low income and receive certain benefits.
Across the UK, there are three bands when it comes to the cost of NHS dental treatment if you are not eligible for free care. Band 1 costs $25.80-£26.80 and includes a basic check-up, x-rays, and emergency care. Band 2 costs $70.70-£73.50 and includes everything in Band 1, plus more complex treatments like fillings, tooth removal, and root canal work. Band 3 costs $306.80-£319.10 and covers everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex treatments including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
If you have a low income, you may be eligible for free NHS dental treatment. You can check if you are eligible and apply for help towards the cost of NHS dental charges. The NHS Low Income Scheme allows those with a low income to apply for an exemption certificate or money to pay for things like dental care. Students are eligible to apply for this scheme.
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Private dental treatment costs
Private dentists set their prices individually, and costs will be higher than on the NHS. However, private dentists often offer payment plans, allowing patients to spread the cost into equal and affordable monthly instalments.
Consultation or check-up
| Treatment Type | NHS Bands | Private Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Examination and Check-up | £26.80 (Band 1) | £40-£100 |
| | | |
White fillings/composites
| Treatment Type | NHS Bands | Private Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Fillings | £73.50 (Band 2) | £60-£250 per filling |
| | | |
Braces
| Treatment Type | NHS Bands | Private Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Braces | Not usually free for adults | £1,500-£8,000 |
| | | |
Invisalign
| Treatment Type | NHS Bands | Private Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign | N/A | £1,500-£5,500 |
| | | |
Root Canal
| Treatment Type | NHS Bands | Private Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Root Canal | £73.50 (Band 2) | £300-£1,000 |
| | | |
Crowns
| Treatment Type | NHS Bands | Private Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Crowns | £319.10 (Band 3) | £250-£1,200 |
| | | |
Veneers
| Treatment Type | NHS Bands | Private Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Veneers | £319.10 (Band 3) | £500-£1,200 per tooth |
| | | |
Dental Schools
If you are looking for more affordable dental treatment, dental schools often offer free or low-cost services. The University of Liverpool, for example, offers free dental treatment if you volunteer to be a patient at their Dental School. The University at Buffalo's School of Dental Medicine provides quality, affordable care at prices that are typically 30-65% lower than private practices.
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How to find a dentist as a student
Finding a dentist as a student can be challenging, especially if you are new to an area or are unsure of your entitlements. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find a dentist and access the care you need:
Check Your Entitlements:
First, it is important to understand if you are entitled to free or subsidised dental care. In England, free NHS dental treatment is available for those under 18 or under 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 can access free treatment. Additionally, free treatment is available if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, are being treated in an NHS hospital, or are on a low income. To confirm your eligibility, you can use the NHS eligibility checker and refer to their leaflet for required documents.
Understand the Costs:
If you are not eligible for free treatment, it is essential to understand the costs involved. The NHS offers three treatment bands: Band 1 costs £26.80 and includes a basic check-up, X-rays, and emergency care. Band 2 costs £73.50 and covers more complex treatments like fillings and root canal work. Band 3 costs £319.10 and includes all previous treatments, plus more advanced procedures like capping and bridges.
Locate a Dentist:
You can find an NHS dentist by searching online or asking for referrals. The NHS website allows you to search by postcode and will indicate if dentists are accepting new patients. You can also inquire at your university health centre, as they may have a dental clinic they can refer you to or know local practices that accept students.
Register with a Dentist:
Once you have found a suitable dentist, be sure to register with them. This is necessary, as doctors cannot provide dental treatment to their patients. If you are already registered with a dentist elsewhere, consider the convenience of travelling to appointments when deciding whether to stick with them or register with a new dentist near your university.
Emergency Care:
In case of a dental emergency, your registered dentist will try to fit you in as soon as possible. If you are not registered with any practice, you can call 111 to find a dentist willing to see you at short notice or after hours.
By following these steps, you can navigate the process of finding a dentist as a student and ensure you are getting the dental care you need.
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