Dental Charges: Are University Students Exempt?

University students are not automatically exempt from NHS dental charges. However, there are certain criteria that, if met, can make a student eligible for free dental care. For instance, if you are under 19 and in full-time education, you are entitled to free dental treatment. Students from low-income families can also apply for an HC2 certificate for low-income support and get free NHS treatment.

University students under 19

University students under the age of 19 are entitled to free dental treatment on the NHS, as long as they are in full-time education at the time their treatment starts. This will be of benefit to a small number of students in their first year at university.

How to prove your exemption

To prove your exemption from dental charges, you must show two documents – one confirming your date of birth and another confirming your full-time student status.

Other ways to get free dental treatment as a student

There is no automatic exemption from dental treatment costs for students. However, if you are in receipt of certain income-based benefits, you may be entitled to free dental treatment. These benefits include Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you are in receipt of one of these benefits, your partner and any dependents under the age of 20 are also entitled to free dental treatment.

If you are not exempt from dental charges, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme provides support in meeting health costs for those on a low income, including students. There are two tiers of help available: an HC2 certificate entitles you to full help, while an HC3 certificate grants limited assistance. You can apply for this scheme so long as your investments, savings, and property do not add up to more than £16,000.

Low-income students

University students are not automatically exempt from dental charges. However, low-income students may be eligible for free NHS dental treatment under the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme helps with prescription charges and other NHS costs.

To be eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you must have less than £16,000 in savings or investments, and your annual family income must be £15,276 or less. You do not need to claim benefits to be eligible for this scheme. If you are living in a care home, the limit is £23,250.

If your application for the NHS Low Income Scheme is successful, you will receive either an HC2 certificate or an HC3 certificate. The HC2 certificate entitles you to full help with health costs, while the HC3 certificate grants limited assistance. If you are accepted onto the scheme, your partner and any dependents will also get free dental care.

In addition to the NHS Low Income Scheme, there are other ways that low-income students can access free or reduced-cost dental treatment. For example, students under the age of 19 who are in full-time education are eligible for free NHS dental treatment. Furthermore, people who receive certain income-based benefits, such as Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment. If you are receiving one of these benefits, your partner and any dependents under the age of 20 are also entitled to free treatment.

Students in Scotland

In Scotland, basic dental check-ups are free for everyone. However, if you require more complex dental treatments, you will need to pay. If you are under 26, are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, or have a low income and are receiving certain benefits, you will be entitled to completely free dental treatments on the NHS.

If you are a student in Scotland, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme provides support in meeting health costs for those on a low income, including students. There are two tiers of help available. If you have an HC2 certificate, you will be entitled to full help with health costs. An HC3 certificate grants limited assistance.

You can apply for this scheme so long as your investments, savings, and property do not add up to more than £16,000. This does not include the property in which you live. If you are eligible, make sure to take your certificate with you when you visit the dentist.

If you are a student in Scotland, it is worth doing some research to find out your entitlement and the best way to access affordable dental treatments.

Students with ongoing treatment

Students with ongoing dental treatment who are under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education, are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. This includes university students who have turned 18 but are yet to clock 19 and are still in their first year at university.

To continue receiving free treatment as a student, you must provide written proof that you do not have to pay for all or part of your treatment. You will also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you do not have to pay.

If you are over 19 and a university student, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to help with meeting health costs. There are two tiers of help available. If you have an HC2 certificate, you are entitled to full help, while an HC3 certificate grants limited assistance. You can apply for this scheme so long as your investments, savings, and property do not add up to more than £16,000.

Students in different parts of the UK are entitled to different levels of support, so it is worth checking the specific rules in your country within the UK.

Students with dependents

While there is no automatic exemption from dental treatment costs for university students, students with dependents can be eligible for free NHS dental treatment under certain circumstances.

If you are a student with a dependent under the age of 20, and you are in receipt of certain income-based benefits, then your dependent is entitled to free dental treatment. These benefits include Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

Additionally, if you are a student with a dependent and are on a low income, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme helps with meeting health costs, including dental care, for those with low incomes. There are two tiers of help available: an HC2 certificate, which entitles you to full help, and an HC3 certificate, which grants limited assistance. To be eligible, your investments, savings, and property must not add up to more than £16,000, excluding the property in which you live. The amount of help you receive will also depend on your income and outgoings. If eligible, your dependents will also receive free dental care.

Frequently asked questions