University Students: Are Nhs Dentist Services Free?

Dental care is not free for most people on the NHS, and there is no automatic exemption for students. However, there are certain groups of people who don't have to pay for NHS dental treatment, and this varies across the UK. In England, you're entitled to free dental treatment if you're under 18, or aged 18-19 and in full-time education. This means that in your first or second year of university, if you are between 18-19, you will be able to get free treatment. In Scotland, basic check-ups are free for everyone, and dental treatments are free if you are under 26. In Wales, you can get a free basic examination if you are under 25 or over 60, and free complex treatment if you are 18 and in full-time education. In Northern Ireland, the dentist is free for under 18s and those who are 18 and in full-time education.

Is NHS dentist free for university students?

NHS dental care for university students in England

In England, NHS dental care is free for anyone under 18 or under 19 and in full-time education. This means that university students who are 18–19 years old can get free dental treatment in their first or second year of university. However, once you turn 20 or above, you will need to pay for your dental treatment, regardless of your student status.

There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you are pregnant or on a low income. If you are receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for free NHS dental treatment, and your dependents aged under 20 can also receive free treatment. Additionally, if you are being treated in an NHS hospital by a hospital dentist, you may not need to pay for your dental care, although you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges.

If you are not eligible for free NHS dental care and are struggling to pay for treatment, you may be able to get financial support through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme provides partial or full financial assistance for dental treatment, depending on your circumstances. To apply, you will need to complete an HC1 form, which can be downloaded, filled out, and submitted online. Alternatively, you can pick up a form from job centres or NHS practices if you live in Scotland or Wales. Once your application has been assessed, you will receive an HC3 certificate indicating how much you will need to pay for dental treatment.

It is important to note that NHS dentists do not offer payment plans. However, private dentists often provide payment plans, although the overall treatment costs tend to be significantly higher compared to NHS prices.

NHS dental care for university students in Scotland

In Scotland, NHS dental care is available to everyone, regardless of age or student status. Basic check-ups are free for all, but more complex treatments will need to be paid for. If you are under 26, are pregnant, have given birth in the last 12 months, or are on a low income and receive certain benefits, you are entitled to completely free dental treatment.

To receive NHS dental treatment in Scotland, you must first register with an NHS dentist. Around 95% of people are registered for NHS dental care in Scotland, and there is no regular fee or retainer to pay. You can find an NHS dentist in your area by enquiring with your local health board. It is your responsibility to register with a dentist, and not all dentists will take on new NHS patients, so it is important to ask if they can take you on as an NHS patient during your first contact with them.

If you are unsure, check your NHS registration status with the dentist you most recently attended for routine treatment. If you pay for your NHS dental treatment, you may notice an increase in treatment charges to reflect the increased cost of delivering patient care. Following a dental examination, the dentist will advise you of any treatment you require and the likely cost. They must also provide an itemised account if requested. As before, NHS patients who pay for their treatment pay 80% of the treatment costs.

There is no automatic exemption from dental treatment costs for students. However, if you are under 19 and in full-time education when your treatment starts, then you are entitled to free dental treatment. If you are a student and fall into this age bracket, you will need to take your certificate with you when you visit the dentist to prove your entitlement.

NHS dental care for university students in Wales

If you are a university student in Wales, you may be eligible for free or subsidised dental care on the NHS. The availability of free dental care depends on your age, income, and whether you are experiencing a dental emergency.

Age and Income Requirements

In Wales, you can get a free basic dental examination if you are under 25 or over 60. If you are under 18, 18 and in full-time education, pregnant, or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you can access free complex dental treatment. Additionally, if you are on a low income and receive certain benefits, you may also be eligible for free complex dental treatment.

University Dental Hospitals

University Dental Hospitals, such as the one in Cardiff and Vale, offer treatment by supervised trainees. To be eligible for treatment at these hospitals, you must meet specific criteria, including not being registered with a dentist and being able to attend appointments during normal working hours. Treatment at these hospitals may take longer than at a general dental practice.

Cost of Treatment

If you are not eligible for free dental care, there are three bands that dictate the cost of treatment on the NHS. In Wales, Band 1 costs £20 and covers basic examinations, check-ups, diagnoses, x-rays, and scale and polish if needed. Band 2 costs £60 and includes all of Band 1, plus non-surgical gum treatment, fillings, tooth removal, and root canal work. Band 3 costs £260 and covers everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex treatments like bridges, crowns, orthodontic treatment, and dentures.

Dental Emergencies

In the event of a dental emergency, you can attend the Emergency Clinic at a University Dental Hospital if you are currently undergoing a course of treatment there. For urgent treatment of pain, you will be charged the Band 1 cost.

NHS dental care for university students in Northern Ireland

The Health Service in Northern Ireland provides dental care and treatment to help you maintain good oral health. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to pay for all or some of your dental treatment. If you are not entitled to free treatment or financial assistance, you will need to pay 80% of the dentist's fee up to £384. It is important to note that the cost of treatment may vary, and you can request a free treatment plan from your dentist if you are registered for Continuing Care.

As a university student in Northern Ireland, your eligibility for free or reduced-cost NHS dental care will depend on various factors, including your age, income, and any existing medical conditions. You may be eligible for free dental treatment if you:

• Are under 18 or over 60 years of age.
• Are pregnant or have had a baby within the last 12 months.
• Have a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate, which certifies that you receive certain benefits or have a low income.
• Have a valid Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx), which certifies that you have a specific medical condition or receive certain benefits.

If you do not meet any of the above criteria, you will likely need to pay for your dental treatment. However, it is always best to check with your dentist or the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) to understand your specific circumstances. NIMDTA provides support and guidance to both trainees and trainers in the region. They offer a range of postgraduate training programmes within their Dental, Foundation, General Practice, and Specialty Training schools.

Additionally, if you are a graduate of a dental programme, you may consider applying for Dental Foundation Training (DFT). DFT is the NHS/HS training scheme for graduates in Northern Ireland, England, and Wales. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and work alongside different dental professionals. After completing DFT, you can choose to work in a primary care dental practice, hospital, community dentistry, or dental public health.

NHS dental care costs

NHS dental care is not free for most people, including students, and there is no automatic exemption for students. However, there are certain groups of people who are eligible for free NHS dental treatment. If you are under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education, you are entitled to free dental treatment. 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 are 20 or older, you will not get free dental care, regardless of your student status.

In Scotland, basic check-ups are free for everyone, but you will need to pay for more complex dental treatments unless you are under 26, pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, or have a low income and are receiving certain benefits. In Wales, you can get a free basic examination if you are under 25 or over 60. You can get free complex treatments if you are under 18, 18 and in full-time education, are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, are being treated in an NHS hospital, or are on a low income and receive certain benefits. In Northern Ireland, the dentist is free for under 18s and those who are 18 and in full-time education, so you won't be able to get free treatment in your later years of university once you are 19 or older.

If you are a university student in England, you may be able to access free dental care if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or if you are on a low income and receive certain benefits. You also won't have to pay if you are being treated in an NHS hospital rather than a dentist surgery. If you need support with paying for treatment, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. Under this scheme, you will get an HC3 certificate which will show how much you will pay for dental treatment. You will need to show this certificate to your dentist.

Frequently asked questions