Savanna Hoffman
University students in the UK are not automatically exempt from paying for dental treatment. However, there are several criteria that, if met, can entitle students to free NHS dental care. These include being under 19 and in full-time education, being pregnant or having given birth in the last 12 months, and receiving low-income benefits. Additionally, students can access free or low-cost dental treatment at some hospitals and dental schools, although this often requires a dentist's or doctor's referral.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | In England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, university students have to pay for dental treatment. In Scotland, dental care is free for students. |
| Age | In England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, students under 18 or 19 and in full-time education are eligible for free dental treatment. |
| Pregnancy | Pregnant women or those who have given birth in the last 12 months are eligible for free dental treatment. |
| Income | Students with low incomes can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme to receive help with dental costs. |
| Dependents | If you are under 20 and a dependent of someone receiving low-income benefits, you are eligible for free dental treatment. |
| Hospital Treatment | If you are an inpatient or outpatient in an NHS hospital and receive treatment from a hospital dentist, this will typically be free of charge. |
| Private Treatment | Private dentists set their own prices and may offer payment plans. |
| NHS Bands | There are three bands for NHS dental treatment costs: Band 1 (£26.80), Band 2 (£73.50), and Band 3 (£319.10). |
| Exemptions | Students may be exempt from dental charges if they receive certain income-based benefits or have an NHS tax credit exemption certificate. |
| Referrals | Some hospitals and dental schools offer free or low-cost dental treatment with a dentist's or doctor's referral. |
What You'll Learn
Free dental treatment eligibility criteria
There are certain groups of people who are eligible for free NHS dental treatment in the UK. The criteria vary slightly depending on where you live in the UK, but there are some general rules that apply across the country.
England
In England, you're entitled to free 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 you're under 20 and a dependent of someone receiving low-income benefits.
- Included in an award for income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
- Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit.
- On Universal Credit, depending on your earnings.
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 be eligible for completely free dental treatments if you are:
- Under 26 years old.
- Pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months.
- On a low income and 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 or 18 and in full-time education.
- Pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months.
- Being treated in an NHS hospital.
- On a low income and receiving certain benefits.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, you will get free dental care if you are:
- Under 18 or 18 and in full-time education.
- Pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months.
- Being treated in an NHS hospital.
- On a low income or receiving certain benefits.
Additional Criteria
Regardless of your location in the UK, you can also get free dental treatment if you:
- Are an inpatient in an NHS hospital and receive treatment from a hospital dentist.
- Are receiving treatment through a dental school or hospital that offers free or low-cost treatment.
- Are on the NHS Low Income Scheme and have received an HC2 or HC3 certificate.
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NHS dental treatment costs
There are three standard charges for NHS dental treatment in England and Wales. The charges are banded according to the type of treatment required. The cost of urgent treatment is the same as Band 1.
Band 1
Band 1 costs £26.80 in England and £20 in Wales. It covers:
- Examination, diagnosis and care to prevent problems
- X-rays, scale and polish, and planning for more treatment
Band 2
Band 2 costs £73.50 in England and £60 in Wales. It covers all treatment in Band 1, plus:
- Fillings
- Root canal treatments
- Extractions (having teeth taken out)
Band 3
Band 3 costs £319.10 in England and £260 in Wales. It covers all treatment in Bands 1 and 2, plus:
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Bridges
Exemptions
Some people are exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment. You do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you are:
- 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 also 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
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
- Universal Credit (depending on your earnings)
Refunds
If you pay for NHS dental treatment and then find out that you were entitled to free or reduced-cost treatment, you can claim a refund within three months of paying the charges.
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Private vs NHS dentists
Cost
The cost of dental treatment varies depending on whether you opt for an NHS or private dentist. NHS dental costs are split into three bands:
- Band 1: £26.80 covers a basic examination, check-up, diagnosis, x-rays, scale and polish, application of fluoride or fissure sealant, and preventative advice.
- Band 2: £73.50 includes everything in Band 1, plus non-surgical gum treatment, fillings, root canal work, and tooth removal.
- Band 3: £319.10 includes everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex treatments such as crowns, bridges, orthodontic treatments, and dentures.
Private dentists set their prices individually, and these can vary depending on the practice and the treatment required. For example, a private new patient consultation or check-up can range from £40 to £75, while an NHS Band 1 check-up costs a fixed price of £26.80.
Treatment Options
NHS dentists are restricted by NHS guidelines on the treatments they can offer. For example, white fillings are used in the NHS, but they are more time-consuming to place. Patients paying for private treatment can request a white filling and may have access to additional options such as veneers and implants, which are not usually offered on the NHS. Any dental treatment considered purely aesthetic, such as orthodontics, whitening, veneers, or non-fixed braces, will not be covered by the NHS.
Appointment Availability
NHS dentists are pushed to meet government targets and quotas, which means they often have less time available for appointments and rarely operate outside of regular working hours. Private dentists may offer more flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to meet patient needs.
Technology and Equipment
Private dentists are not restricted by the NHS budget and can invest in the latest dental technology and equipment, such as 3D scanners for printing crowns or electronic impression scanners. They also have more flexibility in the type of filling material and tools they use.
Payment Plans
NHS dentists do not offer payment plans. Private dentists often provide payment plans, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment into equal and affordable monthly instalments.
Quality of Treatment
Paying more for private dental treatment does not always guarantee superior treatment. It is not compulsory for dentists to undergo additional training to practice privately, so it is important to research the qualifications and experience of the dentist before choosing a private practice.
Location and Convenience
The availability of NHS and private dentists can vary depending on your location. In some areas, there may be long waiting lists and backlogs for NHS dentists, making it challenging to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients. Private dental practices may be more readily available in certain locations.
Eligibility for Free Treatment
Certain individuals are eligible for free NHS dental treatment, including those who 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 dependent on someone who receives low-income benefits
- Being treated in an NHS hospital by a hospital dentist
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HC2 and HC3 certificates
The HC2 and HC3 certificates are part of the NHS Low Income Scheme, which helps individuals with low incomes cover their health costs. The scheme is open to students, and they can apply for it by completing an HC1 form.
HC2 Certificate
The HC2 certificate is an exemption certificate that entitles individuals to full help with health costs. This includes free dental care, prescriptions, sight tests, wigs, and travel to and from NHS appointments. It also includes vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
To be eligible for an HC2 certificate, individuals must have a low income and meet certain criteria. The income threshold to qualify for an HC2 certificate is £16,000 in savings, investments, or property (excluding the place of residence). For those living permanently in a care home, the limit is £23,250.
HC3 Certificate
The HC3 certificate, on the other hand, provides partial help with health costs. With an HC3 certificate, individuals can receive assistance with dental treatment, sight tests, wigs, travel costs for NHS treatments, and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses. However, prescription costs must be paid in full.
The HC3 certificate is typically issued to those whose assessed weekly income is greater than their assessed weekly requirements. The certificate includes a breakdown of how the application was assessed, and it specifies the amount that must be paid before becoming eligible for assistance.
Both the HC2 and HC3 certificates are valid for different durations, ranging from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the individual's circumstances.
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Student dental care in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scotland
In Scotland, basic check-ups are free for everyone. However, if you require more complex dental treatments, you will need to pay. If you are a student, you will get completely free dental treatments on the NHS if you are under 26, are pregnant or 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, are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, you’re treated in an NHS hospital, or if you are on a low income and receive certain benefits.
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 if you are a student over 19, you will not be able to see the dentist for free. However, you will get free dental care if you are pregnant or have had a child in the last 12 months, are getting treatment in an NHS hospital, or if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you live and your circumstances. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if, when your treatment starts, you're under 19 and in full-time education. In Scotland, dental care is free for students of any age. However, if you're 20 or older in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you will have to pay for dental treatment unless you meet other eligibility criteria, such as being pregnant or on a low income.
If you don't meet the criteria for free NHS dental treatment, you can look into applying for the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme provides support for health costs, including dental care, for those with low incomes, including students. Alternatively, some hospitals and dental schools in the UK offer free or low-cost dental treatment, but you may need a referral from a dentist or doctor.
Yes, another option is to find an NHS dentist that offers a mix of NHS and private care. NHS treatments are typically more affordable than private treatments. Additionally, some universities may have partnerships with dental practices that offer discounted rates for students.
