University Students: Free Dental Care Access?

University students do not automatically get free dental care. However, there are certain groups of people who are eligible for free NHS dental treatment. If you are under 19 and in full-time education, you can get free dental treatment in England and Northern Ireland. In Scotland and Wales, the dentist is free for students of all ages. Students who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months are also eligible for free dental care, as are those on low incomes or receiving certain benefits.

University students in England can get free dental care if they are under 19 and in full-time education

University Students and Free Dental Care

University students in England are entitled to free dental care under certain conditions. Firstly, students must be under the age of 19 and enrolled in full-time education. This means that in your first or second year of university, if you are between 18 and 19 years old, you can access free dental treatment. However, once you turn 20 or older, you will no longer qualify for free dental care, regardless of your student status.

It is important to note that this policy specifically applies to students in England, and different arrangements may be in place in other parts of the UK, such as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Other Criteria for Free Dental Care

In addition to students under 19 in full-time education, there are other groups of people who are eligible for free NHS dental treatment in England. This includes individuals who are:

• Pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months.
• Receiving low-income benefits or are under 20 and dependent on someone receiving low-income benefits.
• Inpatients in an NHS hospital receiving treatment from a hospital dentist.
• Outpatients of NHS hospital dental services (although there may be charges for bridges or dentures).

Applying for Help with Dental Costs

For university students who do not meet the criteria for free dental care, there are still options to reduce dental costs. Students can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which provides support with health costs, including dental care, for those with low incomes. This scheme is open to students and can be applied for by completing an HC1 form. Depending on your financial situation, you may receive either an HC2 certificate, which provides full help, or an HC3 certificate, which offers limited assistance.

Students in Scotland and Wales can get free dental care

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, you’re being treated in an NHS hospital, or if you are on a low income and receive certain benefits.

If you are a student in Scotland or Wales and need to go to the dentist, you can choose between the NHS or a private dentist. While there will be some costs associated with dental care for treatments, there are a few ways to get free dental care depending on your circumstances.

If you are a student with a low income, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. This 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. To apply, you will need to complete a HC1 form. You can download and print the form online, or pick one up from job centres or NHS practices if you live in Scotland or Wales.

Additionally, if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you may be eligible for a HC2 certificate, which provides full help for health costs, including free dental care, prescriptions, sight tests, wigs, and help with the costs of glasses, contact lenses, and travel to and from NHS appointments.

Students in Northern Ireland can get free dental care if they are under 18 or 18 and in full-time education

Dental Care for Students in Northern Ireland

Who is eligible for free dental care?

NHS Low Income Scheme

If you are a student in Northern Ireland and do not qualify for free dental care, you may still be able to get financial support through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme allows those with low incomes to apply for an exemption certificate or money to help pay for things like prescriptions, dental care, sight tests, and travel to and from appointments. To apply, you will need to complete a HC1 form, which you can download, print, or pick up from job centres or NHS practices.

NHS Treatment Bands and Costs

For those who do not qualify for free dental care, the NHS offers three treatment bands with associated costs:

• Band 1: £26.80 for a basic check-up, x-rays, and emergency care such as pain relief or a temporary filling.
• Band 2: £73.50 for everything in Band 1, plus more complex treatments like fillings, tooth removal, and root canal work.
• Band 3: £319.10 for everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex treatments like bridges, crowns, orthodontic treatment, and dentures.

Alternative Options for Free or Low-Cost Dental Care

If you are looking for free or low-cost dental care, you may want to consider the following options:

• Dental schools often offer free or low-cost dental services provided by supervised dental students. For example, the Queen's University Belfast Dental School offers free routine dental treatments for adults.
• Some hospitals provide free or low-cost dental services, but these may require a referral from your dentist or doctor.

Students can get free or low-cost dental care at some hospitals and dental schools

University students are not automatically exempt from dental treatment costs. However, dental care is free for students in Scotland and Wales. In England, students below the age of 19 in full-time education can receive free dental care. In Northern Ireland, students below the age of 18 in full-time education are eligible for free dental care.

Students who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months are also entitled to free dental care. Students who are on low-income benefits or are under 20 and dependent on someone receiving low-income benefits are also eligible for free dental care.

In addition, some hospitals and dental schools offer free or low-cost dental services. These services are usually provided by students rather than fully qualified dentists. Most of these hospitals and dental schools require a referral from your dentist or doctor, but a few allow self-referrals. Many require that you are not currently registered with a dentist to receive free treatment.

• Aberdeen Dental School
• Barts and the London Dental Hospital
• Birmingham Dental Hospital
• Cardiff University Dental Hospital
• Charles Clifford Dental Services (Sheffield)
• Cork University Dental Hospital
• Dublin Dental University Hospital
• Edinburgh Dental School
• Glasgow Dental Hospital
• Guys and St Thomas Hospital
• King’s College London Dental Institute
• Leeds Dental Institute
• Liverpool University Dental Hospital
• Newcastle Dental Hospital
• Peninsula Plymouth School of Dentistry
• Queen’s University Belfast Dental School
• University of Bristol Dental Hospital

Students can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to get help with dental costs

Students and Dental Care Costs

University students are not automatically eligible for free dental care in the UK. However, there are some ways to get help with dental costs.

NHS Low Income Scheme

The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) helps those with a low income to pay for their dental treatment charges. Students are eligible to apply for the scheme. The scheme also covers other health costs, including:

• NHS prescription charges
• The cost of sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
• The cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment
• NHS wigs and fabric supports

HC2 and HC3 Certificates

If you are accepted onto the NHS Low Income Scheme, you may be issued with an HC2 or HC3 certificate.

The HC2 certificate is an exemption certificate that entitles you to full help with health costs. This includes free dental care, prescriptions, sight tests, wigs, and help with the costs of glasses, contact lenses, and travel to and from appointments.

The HC3 certificate is an exception certificate that entitles you to limited help with the costs of NHS treatment. With an HC3 certificate, you will get help with dental treatment costs, sight tests, wigs, and travel to and from NHS treatments.

How to Apply

To apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you will need to complete an HC1 form. You can download and print the form online, or pick one up from job centres or NHS practices if you live in Scotland or Wales. The form will ask you to fill out your personal details, including your income and any benefits you may be receiving.

If you are employed, you will need to provide proof of your earnings, such as payslips or a completed proof of income form. If you are self-employed, you will need to send your profit and loss accounts or a trading account. Students will need to include evidence of all grants, bursaries, and awards.

Your application will normally be assessed within 18 working days of receiving your form.

Frequently asked questions