Photo by Prince Akachi on Unsplash
Many people put off dental treatment, due to cost. That choice risks bigger problems later, from infections to lost teeth. There is good news. Free or low-cost dental care exists, if you know where to look.
The first place to start is obviously the NHS. It sets fee brands that keep costs pretty low, and many people on benefits qualify for free care. Search for an NHS dentist in your area on the NHS website or ask your local surgery for more details.
The caveats are that waiting times are often long, and some don’t offer the same level of expertise as private clinics (for instance, some ‘difficult dental operations’ may not be offered on the NHS). Raise any concerns with your integrated care board. In emergencies, visit A & E.
If you have a dental emergency and can’t pay upfront, NHS 111 can advise on urgent care options. Some clinics offer emergency slots at reduced rates — perfect for easing pain without a long wait. Emergency helplines can also point you to places that see people without insurance or those who need faster support.
Choose unscented dental care products for pregnancy and nursing. Avoid toothpaste, mouthwash, floss and gum sweetened with xylitol if you live with pets(just licking a tiny amount from around your mouth or a sink could be fatal. And never litter it on the streets, as it could harm many creatures.
Access Free Dental Care via the NHS
NHS dentistry offers free care for people who meet certain criteria, and set fees for everyone else. If you qualify for an exemption, you will not be charged. If you do not qualify, you still benefit from capped NHS charges, which are often far lower than private prices.
To receive NHS dental care, you register with a dental practice that accepts NHS patients. You can search and contact practices directly, or use your integrated care board for help with local options. Waiting times vary, and some areas face high demand.
- Check exemptions: Many groups receive free NHS dental treatment.
- Use official channels: Search on the NHS website for local NHS dentists.
- Plan for waits: Ask to join a waiting list and check back often.
Who Qualifies for Free NHS Dental Treatment
You may get free NHS dental care if you are in one of these groups:
- Children under 18
- Young people under 19 in full-time education
- Pregnant or had a baby in the past 12 months
- On qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit (depending on earnings), Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit guarantee credit
- Hold an HC2 certificate under the NHS Low Income Scheme (full help) or partial help with an HC3 certificate
- Receive asylum support under the Immigration and Asylum Act
Some people with certain medical conditions receive help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Always check eligibility on the NHS website, your practice, or at GP surgeries. If in doubt, ask the receptionist which proof they accept and how to claim.
Always bring recent documents. If you are unsure, take what you have and the practice will advise.
Using Integrated Care Boards to Find Local Services
Integrated care boards, or ICBs, plan and fund many NHS services in your area. Dentistry is now part of this local planning. Your ICB website usually lists NHS dental practices, urgent care routes, and any local initiatives or outreach clinics.
How to use your ICB:
- Search for your ICB online using your postcode.
- Visit the ICB website and look for dental pages or patient services.
- Check lists of practices accepting NHS patients and guidance on emergencies.
- If information is unclear, call or email the ICB for advice on availability.
If you cannot find a practice taking new NHS patients, ask the ICB about nearby towns, emergency options, or short-term clinics. Keep notes on who you spoke to and when.
Affordable Dental Payment Plans
You’ll often be offered a dental plan, but this can prove expensive and some people don’t qualify. ‘Interest-free’ is no good, if you lose your job. And many dentists use acceptance to add on unnecessary extras like tooth whitening, for extra profit.
One good alternative is non-profit HSF (set up before the NHS) to provide cheaper insurance. You have to pay in for a while to get benefits. But after a qualifying period, you get money back off treatments (and other benefits like money off acupuncture or even payments, for hospital stays).
Dental Schools and Teaching Hospitals
Dental schools and teaching hospitals are bit like colleges that give discounts for hair and beauty treatments, as the staff are not yet qualified. Treatment is often free or at much lower prices, and most schools accept public appointments for check-ups, fillings, or even simple extractions.
Major UK dental schools include:
- King’s College London
- Queen Mary University of London (Barts and The London)
- University of Birmingham
- University of Manchester
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- University of Sheffield
- University of Bristol
- University of Plymouth
- University of Glasgow
- Cardiff University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Dundee
Community Dental Clinics
Community dental clinics focus on people who struggle to get care, like those on low income, and elderly/disabled patients. They offer routine check-ups, cleanings, and treatments at lower prices. Check with your council or search online.
Community Dental Services is a community interest company that is referral only, offering help to people in East of England and the Midlands, with 98% positive ratings. It has several clinics, including ones for mobile use and in prisons.
Charities and Non-Profit Organisations
Dentaid offers free dental care to homeless people. It has seven mobile units nationwide, and also offers help to abuse survivors, refugees, cancer patients, recovering addicts and communities where people struggle to access good dental care. Bridge2Aid offers free dental treatment to people in East Africa.
Preparing Documents and Applying for Help
Good paperwork speeds decisions and avoids delays.
- Proof of identity: Passport or driving licence.
- Address: Recent utility bill or tenancy agreement.
- Benefits: Universal Credit statements, Pension Credit letter, or other award notices.
- Low Income Scheme: HC2 or HC3 certificates if you have them. If not, apply using the HC1 form, online or by post.
- Medical status: Pregnancy proof or evidence of recent birth if claiming that exemption.
