NHS Patient Charges

From 1 April 2011, NHS dental charges are as follows:

Band 1 course of treatment

£17.00 This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. x-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if needed.

Urgent treatment, when you need to see a dentist immediately, also costs £17.00.

Band 2 course of treatment

£47.00 This covers everything listed in Band 1 above plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment

£204.00 This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

These are the only dental charges your dentist should ask you to pay when you are having NHS treatment.

Your treatment costs explained

The charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy (see the introduction for useful hints and tips).

All charges apply to an overall course of treatment, and not the individual items within the course of treatment.

You will only have to pay one charge for each course of treatment - even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it.

If you need more treatment within the same charge band (for example, an additional filling) within two months of completing a course of treatment, you do not have to pay anything extra.

You do not have to pay to have your dentures repaired (for example, having stitches out or if your dentist has to stop blood loss). Neither do you have to pay if your dentist only needs to write out a prescription (but if you pay for your prescriptions, you will pay the usual charge when you collect your medicine from the pharmacist).

You may need to pay all, or some of your treatment costs before you start a course of treatment. Always ask the practice for a receipt.

Free NHS dental treatment

You do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if (when the treatment starts) you are:

• aged under 18,
• aged 18 and in full-time education,
• pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months,
• staying in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist,
• an NHS Hospital dental Service outpatient (however, you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges).

You also do not have to pay if, when the treatment starts or when you are asked to pay, you:

• or your partner is getting Income support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit,
• have the right under the NHS Low Income Scheme (i.e. you are named on a valid HC2 certificate).

How to claim free NHS dental treatment

You will be asked to show your dentist written proof that you can claim free NHS treatment. You will also be asked to sign a form (HC1) to confirm that you do not have to pay.

If you have the right to partial help under the NHS Low Income Scheme, and your name is on a valid HC3 certificate, you may not have to pay for all your treatment.

You will need form HC1 to claim for full (HC2) or partial (HC3) help with dental costs. These forms are available from your Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 08458501166 or 08701555455.

To find out more about free NHS dental treatment and how to go about getting it, see Help with health costs (HC11), which is available from post offices, Jobcentre Plus offices and dental surgeries. It can also be downloaded from www.dh.gov.uk.

Checks are made on many free treatments claims. If you say you have the right to free treatment when you do not, you could go to court and / or have to pay a fine.

If you pay for your treatment but later find out that it should been free, you can claim a refund. You need to this within three months of the date that you paid. To do this you need form HC5 which is available from post offices, Jobcentre Plus Offices and dental surgeries. It can also be downloaded from www.dh.gov.uk.