Dental Charges: Do University Students Have To Pay?

Dental care is not free for most people in the UK. However, there are certain groups of people who are exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment. University students are recommended to register with a local dental practice, but it is unclear whether they receive free dental care or not. In short, not all students are eligible for free dental care. So, do university students have to pay dental charges?

Free dental care eligibility for university students

England

University students in England are entitled to free NHS dental treatment if they meet any of the following criteria:

• They are under 18 or under 19 and in full-time education.
• They are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
• They are receiving low-income benefits or are under 20 and are a dependent of someone receiving low-income benefits.
• They are being treated in an NHS hospital by a hospital dentist.

Additionally, students on a low income can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme and receive an HC2 certificate for full help with health costs, or an HC3 certificate for limited help.

Northern Ireland

University students in Northern Ireland are eligible for free dental care if they meet any of the following criteria:

• They are under 18 or 18 and in full-time education.
• They are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
• They are receiving treatment in an NHS hospital.
• They are on a low income or receive certain benefits.

Scotland

In Scotland, basic check-ups are free for everyone. However, university students are entitled to completely free dental treatments on the NHS if they are:

• Under 26 years old.
• Pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months.
• On a low income and receiving certain benefits.

Wales

University students in Wales can get a free basic dental examination if they are under 25 or over 60. They can also receive free complex dental treatment if they meet any of the following criteria:

• They are under 18 or 18 and in full-time education.
• They are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
• They are being treated in an NHS hospital.
• They are on a low income and receive certain benefits.

Cost of NHS dental services

NHS dental charges depend on the treatment required to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. There are three bands of dental treatment on the NHS:

Band 1 – £26.80

Covers examinations, diagnosis (including radiographs), advice on how to prevent future problems, scale and polish if clinically necessary, and preventative care (for example, applications of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant). Band 1 also covers emergency care such as stopping bleeding, trauma, teeth knocked out, severe pain or swelling, even if more than one visit is required.

Band 2 – £73.50

Covers everything listed in Band 1, plus any further treatment, such as fillings, root canal work, or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 – £319.10

Covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment?

You do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you're:

• Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• Being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
• Receiving low-income benefits, or you're under 20 and a dependent of someone receiving low-income benefits

You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive:

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit (depending on your earnings)

Certificates to help with health costs

You can receive free NHS dental treatment if you're entitled to or named on:

• A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• A valid HC2 certificate – which is available for people on a low income
• A valid maternity exemption certificate

People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get part of the cost of dental treatment paid for.

People on a low income can include some students and pensioners.

How to get cheap dental treatment as a student

If none of the above criteria apply to you, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. The NHS Low Income Scheme provides support in meeting health costs for those on a low income, including students and pensioners. There are two tiers of help available. If you have an HC2 certificate, this entitles you to full help, while an HC3 certificate grants limited assistance.

Cost of private dental care

The cost of private dental care will depend on the type of treatment required. Private dentists set their prices individually, but here is an example of the prices you could expect to pay:

• Consultation or check-up
• White fillings/composites
• Braces

While braces are free on the NHS for teenagers, they are usually not free for adults. However, there are some payment options to consider if you need braces but can't afford them. Schemes like Invisalign can help straighten teeth, and you can often get payment plans to split the costs.

If you are a student, you may be eligible for a loan or grant to help cover the cost of private dental care. In the UK, students can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which provides support for those on low incomes, including students. You can also apply for a student loan to cover the cost of private dental treatment.

In the US, dental school graduates leave school with over $290,000 in student loan debt on average. There are options for paying for dental school, such as specialized loans, grants, scholarships, and affordable programs.

NHS Dental Care for Students

In England, dental care is free on the NHS 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 get free treatment. However, once you turn 20, you will no longer be eligible for free dental care as a student.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. Additionally, if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may also be eligible for free dental care.

To find out if you are eligible for free NHS dental treatment, you can use the NHS dentist search tool to find a dentist near you and enquire about your eligibility.

How to find a dentist

There is no automatic exemption from dental treatment costs for university students. However, there are certain groups of people who are entitled to free NHS dental treatment in the UK. These include:

• People under the age of 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• Pregnant women or those who have given birth in the last 12 months
• People receiving certain income-based benefits, such as Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• People on low incomes, including some students and pensioners, can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme

Finding a good dentist is essential for maintaining dental health, especially for university students who may be living away from home for the first time. Here are some tips on how to find a dentist that meets your needs:

Ask for Recommendations

A great way to start your search is by asking family, friends, neighbours, or co-workers for their suggestions. You can also ask your family doctor or local pharmacist for their recommendations. If you are moving, you can ask your current dentist if they can refer you to someone in your new location.

Contact Dental Societies

Reach out to your local or state dental society. The American Dental Association (ADA) provides a list of local and state dental societies on its website, www.ada.org. You can also try searching for them in the telephone directory under "dentists" or "associations."

Use Online Tools

Take advantage of online tools such as the ADA's Find-A-Dentist tool, which allows you to search by name, location, and specialty. You can also try using the NHS dentist search tool to find a dentist near you.

Consider Convenience and Accessibility

Choose a dentist with office hours that align with your schedule and is easily accessible from your home or workplace. This will make it easier for you to schedule regular appointments without disrupting your daily routine.

Research Their Credentials and Specialties

Before settling on a dentist, take the time to research their educational background, training, and approach to dentistry. This includes understanding their stance on preventive dentistry and their ability to handle emergencies outside of regular office hours.

Inquire About Payment Options

It is important to understand the financial aspects of dental care. Ask about their fees, payment plans, and whether they accept your dental insurance or health benefits. If you are a student, inquire about any student discounts or financial assistance programs they may offer.

Visit the Office

Whenever possible, schedule a consultation or visit the dentist's office to get a sense of the environment. Observe the cleanliness, organisation, and professionalism of the staff. This will give you a better idea of what to expect as a patient.

Ask Questions

Don't hesitate to ask questions to address any concerns or clarify their practices. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• How do they handle emergencies outside of office hours?
• Are they familiar with your benefit plan, and do they offer financial options for treatment costs?
• Will they provide dental health instruction and guidance to prevent future dental problems?
• How do they ensure patient comfort and relaxation during dental procedures?

Remember, finding the right dentist is about more than just cleaning your teeth. It's about establishing a long-term partnership for your oral health care, so take the time to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with.

How often should university students visit the dentist?

University students are encouraged to visit the dentist at least once a year. While the dentist doesn't need to be visited very often, it's still a good idea to check in at least annually because your health is the most important thing.

The typical recommendation to visit the dentist twice a year originated from a toothpaste advertisement, and there is little to no research to support it. The twice-yearly rule isn't necessarily the best option for everyone. The frequency of dental visits depends on a person's unique oral hygiene, habits, and individual medical conditions. Some people only need to visit the dentist once or twice a year, while others may need to go more often.

People with a greater risk of dental disease and other health conditions may need to visit the dentist more often (roughly once every three months). This higher-risk group includes:

• Pregnant individuals
• People with gum disease
• People with a weak immune response
• People prone to cavities or plaque buildup

University students who are under 19 years old and in full-time education (or under 26 in Scotland) or pregnant (or given birth in the past 12 months) are eligible for free NHS dental treatment.

Frequently asked questions