NHS dental treatment

Everyone is entitled to open wide for an NHS dentist. Chew on the facts about how to find dental treatment right here.

Why bother?

Don't wait until there's something wrong with your teeth before you seek out a dentist. With waiting lists growing, you owe it to yourself to register - and get routine check ups. It's the only way to minimise the chances of a minor dental problem turning into a howling, costly, and time-consuming nightmare.

Where do I begin?

The first step is to register with your local NHS dentist. You can search for your nearest dental practice online directly from the NHS website. There, you'll find details of all the practices close to your address. Just be aware that some may not be taking on new patients, so shop around.

What's on offer?

• Some NHS dentists also provide private care (and this can begin with treatment as basic as white fillings). To avoid confusion, all services must be clearly listed, and also printed in their practice information leaflet.
• If you require additional, private treatment, your dentist must explain this clearly, and seek your consent before carrying out the work. 
• Most NHS dentists recommend you have a basic dental check up once every six months. However, much depends on the state of your teeth, and so they may suggest more frequent or infrequent visits.
• It is important that you keep to your appointments. NHS dentists have the right to strike patients from the list if they persistently fail to show up.

What's the cost?

Charges for NHS treatment (as of April 2008) are divided into three bands:

1. Examination, diagnosis, and preventive advice: £16.20 (This may also include x-rays and planning for any further treatment);
2. Examination, diagnosis, and preventive advice and one or more fillings: £44.60;
3. Examination, diagnosis, and preventive advice, one or more fillings and one or more crowns: £198.00

Free treatment

Under certain circumstances, you are entitled to free treatment. Here are the main reasons why you could be exempt from paying:

• You're under 18 - or under 19 and still in full-time education;
• You claim Income Support, Family Credit, Disabled Person's Tax Credit or Job Seekers Allowance;
• You're expecting a baby (and were pregnant when the dentist accepted you)
• You've had a baby in the last 12 months;
• You're on a low income.

If you think you qualify for exemption, you may be asked to provide proof before treatment can begin. For more information, check out the Department of Health's advice page on NHS charges.