Savanna Hoffman
University students do not automatically get free dental care and will often have to pay for treatment. However, there are certain exceptions and conditions under which students can receive free dental care. For instance, in England, students under the age of 19 who are in full-time education are eligible for free dental care. Additionally, students who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months may also be exempt from dental treatment costs. Students who are on a low income or receiving specific benefits may also qualify for free or reduced-cost dental care through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
What You'll Learn
Free dental care for students in England
In England, students can access free dental care on the NHS if they are under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education. This means that students in their first or second year of university who are between 18 and 19 years old can get free treatment. However, once a student turns 20, they will no longer be eligible for free dental care, regardless of their student status.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. Students who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months are entitled to free dental care. Students who are on low incomes or receiving certain benefits may also be eligible for free or reduced-cost dental care.
The NHS Low Income Scheme
Students on low incomes can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which provides support for health costs such as dental care, prescriptions, sight tests, and travel to and from appointments. To apply, students must complete an HC1 form, providing details of their income, earnings, and any benefits they receive. Depending on their financial situation, they may be issued an HC2 certificate, which entitles them to full help with health costs, or an HC3 certificate, which provides limited assistance.
University dental schools
In addition to the NHS options, some dental schools and hospitals in the UK offer free or low-cost dental treatment. These include:
- Aberdeen Dental School
- Barts and the London Dental Hospital
- Birmingham Dental Hospital
- Bristol University 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
Private dentists
While NHS dental care may be free for some students, private dentists will always charge for their services. Private dentists set their own prices, which can be very costly. However, private dentists often offer payment plans, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment over several months.
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Free dental care for students in Scotland
As of 24 August 2021, anyone under the age of 26 in Scotland is eligible for free NHS dental treatment. This includes university students, regardless of whether they are from Scotland or not. This change was implemented by the Scottish Government to help the dental sector recover and build back to pre-pandemic capacity.
Registration
To register with an NHS dentist, you will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and contact details. You will then be given an appointment for an enhanced clinical examination. The practice may put you on a waitlist until you have been seen for the enhanced exam, even if they do provide an emergency appointment. You will be asked to complete a full medical history form before your appointment, so please ensure that you bring an up-to-date list of all medicines. This medical history will need to be completed annually.
Treatments
Treatments that you can receive on the NHS include:
- Root canal treatment
- Preventive advice and treatment for gum disease
- Orthodontic braces (according to strict criteria)
- Extractions (tooth removal)
- Dentures or false teeth
Exemption
Even if you are eligible for NHS care, some of your treatments may require some payment. Cosmetic procedures will usually need to be paid for privately.
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Free dental care for students in Wales
Students in Wales can benefit from free dental care under certain conditions. Firstly, dental care is free for anyone under 18 or under 19 and in full-time education. This means that students in their first or second year of university who are between 18 and 19 years old can access free dental treatment. However, once they turn 20, they will no longer be eligible for free dental care, regardless of their student status.
There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. Students in Wales can receive free dental care if they are pregnant or have given birth within the last 12 months. Additionally, if they are an inpatient in an NHS hospital and receive treatment from a hospital dentist, this will be free of charge. NHS Hospital Dental Service outpatients may also receive free treatment, but there may be charges for dentures and bridges.
Students with low incomes can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which provides support for health costs, including dental care. They can do so by completing an HC1 form, which can be downloaded online or picked up from job centres or NHS practices in Wales. If approved, they will receive either an HC2 certificate, which provides full help with health costs, or an HC3 certificate, which offers limited assistance. With these certificates, students can access free dental care, prescriptions, sight tests, and travel cost assistance for NHS appointments.
Another option for students in Wales seeking dental care is to register with the University Dental Hospital as a patient for supervised trainees. This option is available to those who are not already registered with a dentist, can attend during normal working hours, and are willing to be treated by trainees under supervision. The treatment process will be longer than at a general dental practice, and patients will be placed on a waiting list until their treatment needs match the educational requirements of the trainees.
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Free dental care for students in Northern Ireland
Overview
The availability of free dental care for students in Northern Ireland depends on various factors, including age, income, and specific circumstances. While dental care is not entirely free for all students, there are certain groups that are eligible for exemptions or financial support.
Eligibility for Free Dental Care
In Northern Ireland, free dental care is provided for those under 18 and those who are 18 and in full-time education. This means that once individuals reach 19 and beyond, they will not be eligible for free dental care, regardless of their student status. However, there are some exceptions and additional criteria that may apply.
Exemptions and Additional Criteria
- Pregnant individuals or those who have given birth in the last 12 months are eligible for free dental care.
- Individuals receiving low-income benefits or specific income-based benefits, such as Income Support or Universal Credit, may be entitled to free dental treatment.
- Individuals who are inpatients or outpatients in an NHS hospital and receive dental treatment as part of their care are exempt from dental charges.
- Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease, may be eligible for free or subsidised dental care through the National Health Service (NHS) Low Income Scheme.
The NHS Low Income Scheme
The NHS Low Income Scheme is a financial support programme that helps individuals with low incomes, including students, meet their health costs. To be eligible, your investments, savings, and property (excluding your primary residence) must not exceed £16,000. If qualified, you may receive an HC2 certificate, providing full help with health costs, or an HC3 certificate, offering limited assistance.
University-Specific Opportunities
Additionally, some universities in Northern Ireland, such as Queen's University Belfast, may offer free or reduced-cost dental treatment through their dental schools. These services are typically provided by dental students under the supervision of qualified dentists and may have specific eligibility requirements and availability constraints.
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NHS dental treatment costs
The cost of NHS dental treatment in the UK varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the country within the UK. There are three standard charges or bands for NHS dental treatment in England and Wales. The cost of treatment in Scotland and Wales is lower than in England.
Bands
Band 1 costs £26.80 in England and £20 in Wales. It includes a basic examination, check-up, diagnosis, x-rays, and a scale and polish if needed.
Band 2 costs £73.50 in England and £60 in Wales. It includes everything in Band 1, as well as further treatment such as non-surgical gum treatment, fillings, tooth removal, and root canal work.
Band 3 costs £319.10 in England and £260 in Wales. It includes everything in Bands 1 and 2, as well as more complex treatments such as bridges, crowns, orthodontic treatment, and dentures.
Urgent Treatment
Urgent treatment costs £26.80 and covers treatment for any pain and includes x-rays, teeth dressing, fixing teeth, aftercare, and other treatments.
Exemptions
Some people are exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment. This includes:
- People under 18 or under 19 and in full-time education
- Pregnant women or those who have given birth in the last 12 months
- People receiving low-income benefits, or their dependents
- Hospital inpatients treated by a hospital dentist
- People treated in an NHS hospital as an outpatient
- People receiving certain types of Pension Credits
- People on Universal Credit, depending on their earnings
Low-Income Scheme
The NHS Low-Income Scheme provides support for people on low incomes, including students, to meet health costs. There are two tiers of help available: an HC2 certificate provides full help, while an HC3 certificate grants limited assistance. To be eligible, your investments, savings, and property must not exceed £16,000.
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Frequently asked questions
In most cases, yes. However, there are certain groups of people who are exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment.
You are entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you are: under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education; pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months; receiving low-income benefits or are a dependent of someone receiving them; or receiving certain benefits, such as Income Support or Universal Credit.
If you don't qualify for free NHS dental treatment, you may be able to get help with costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme provides full or partial help with health costs, including dental care, for those on low incomes.
The NHS offers three treatment bands: Band 1 costs £26.80 and includes a basic check-up and emergency care; Band 2 costs £73.50 and includes more complex treatments like fillings and root canals; Band 3 costs £319.10 and covers everything in the first two bands, plus more complex treatments like bridges and veneers.
You can use the NHS find a dentist service to locate a dentist near you. You can also ask at your university health centre, as they may have a dental clinic or know of local practices that accept students.
