Looking after your teeth can hit the wallet hard. Even with regular brushing, a trip to the dentist is still a must for most.
With a dentist shortage leaving many having to turn towards private care, there are still millions of people able to get their treatment on the NHS. But unlike a GP you still have to pay for NHS dental services.
And it is not exactly cheap with NHS prices ranging from £27.40 for a check-up to a hefty £326.70 for more extensive work like crowns or dentures. The NHS makes it clear – most adults will have to pay for dental visits or procedures, with costs varying based on the treatment required.
It states: “If you pay for NHS dental treatment, the cost depends on what treatment the dental healthcare professional thinks you need. The dental professional should tell you how much it will cost before they start any treatment.”
Dental treatments fall into three price bands, each with its own cost. The NHS guidance is: “If you need a mix of treatments from different bands, you’ll pay for the cost of the highest band of treatment you’re having. If you need a mix of treatments from the same band, you’ll only pay the band charge once.”, reports Surrey Live.
There are five different groups of people who can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment. These are:
Another six groups of individuals also do not have to pay. You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner receive certain benefits including:
If you or your partner receive benefits that mean you can get free dental treatment from the NHS, your dependents aged under 20 can also get free dental treatment.
The NHS advises people: “If you’re eligible, you can only get free NHS dental treatment. You’ll need to pay for any private dental treatment.
“Depending on the reason, you’ll need to give your dentist proof that you can get free NHS dental treatment.” Examples of proof include:
If you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and get free dental treatment, you’ll usually need to pay for it yourself first and claim the money back from Veterans UK.
If you’re not eligible for free NHS dental treatment and you’re on a low income, you may still be able to get help with paying part of the cost from the NHS Low Income Scheme. If you get help from the NHS Low Income Scheme, you’ll get an HC3 certificate which will show how much you’ll pay for dental treatment. You’ll need to show your HC3 certificate to your dentist.
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