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 dependant of someone receiving low income benefits
Low income benefits
You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive:
- Income Support
- 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)
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.
You'll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you do not have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment.
You'll also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you do not have to pay.