Who is entitled to free dentistry

Missing your appointment may result in early termination of your course of treatment. If you are having a private course of treatment and miss an appointment, there is nothing stopping private practices from imposing a charge for missed private appointments. Because of this, it is advisable to discuss your treatment options, ask for an estimated cost of the proposed treatment and understand in advance what the consequences would be if you missed that appointment.

It would be a good idea to check the agreement you have with your practice from the outset of your treatment sessions to make sure you understand what charges they could ask for if you missed your appointment.

It might be easier, for example, to pick a dentist near your workplace. You can get recommendations from friends or family, or check out recommendations for dentist surgeries on the NHS Choices website.

W Which? Editorial team. What treatments are included? What about scale and polish? Your dental examination The cost of NHS dental treatment Do I have to pay for work done to my teeth after each appointment?

View more links. Who can get NHS dental treatment? NHS dental treatments include: dentures root-canal treatment crowns and bridges fillings preventive treatment such as a scale and polish, when needed orthodontic teeth straightening treatment for children and young people aged under How can I complain about a dentist? How to complain if you're unhappy with your GP or doctor's surgery. The criteria used to decide whether a child qualifies is based on an international grading system called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need.

HSE dental surgeons can advise on eligibility and refer you to the local HSE orthodontic unit for assessment if appropriate. The types of orthodontic problems that qualify under the guidelines include front teeth that are buried and fail to emerge, multiple missing teeth, very prominent front teeth or severe problems with the bite or jaw development.

Dentists must display private fees in a place where patients can view them before consultation. A single fee must apply for some procedures while the fees for others may be shown as a range, with a minimum and maximum clearly stated. Where a range of fees applies, it is not permitted to set a minimum price only. If you pay for dental services from a private practitioner, you may claim tax relief for certain specialised dental treatments. Routine treatments such as extractions, scaling and filling of teeth and provision and repairing of artificial teeth and dentures are excluded from tax relief.

Further information on how to claim tax relief for specific dental costs incurred by you whether for yourself, your spouse, your dependent child or a dependent relative is available in our document on taxation and medical expenses.

Clinical Dental Technicians are dental healthcare professionals, registered with the Dental Council. They provide complete dentures and partial dentures directly to adult patients who have recently been assessed by a dentist. They do not carry out work on natural teeth or on living tissue. Clinical Dental Technicians who have a contract with the HSE can treat medical card holders under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme, providing approved dentures and relines as well as denture repairs and additions.

Your local health centre can provide a list of dentists who treat medical card holders. Dentists who offer services to medical card holders are listed as taking part in the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. The Irish Dental Association is the main representative body for general dental practitioners, dental specialists and HSE dental surgeons. You can view more information regarding help with your dental costs on the following page via the nidrect website. IDH Group Limited as above is a member of the mydentist group.

My Practice To set your preferred practice look out for the star symbol on the find a dentist and book online pages. Find a dentist Book online.

Dental health Dental products Patient information Search. NHS treatments and costs NHS dental charges depend on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. Find your nearest dentist here Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment? You do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if, when your treatment starts, you are: under 18 under 19 and in full-time education pregnant or you've had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries out your treatment You can also get free NHS dental treatment if, when the treatment starts or when you're asked to pay: you're included in an award of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit you're named on, or entitled to, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate you're named on a valid HC2 certificate If you're named on a valid HC3 certificate, you may not have to pay for all your NHS dental treatment.

Proof of your entitlement You'll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you're entitled to help with dental treatment costs.

How much will I pay for NHS dental treatment? You can get free dental treatment in Scotland if you're: under 26 years old pregnant or are a nursing mother. Costs The NHS fee structure is complex and varies considerably from patient to patient depending of the treatment required.

Help with costs The Scottish Government have produced a leaflet providing information on NHS dental costs and getting help with these.

Any subsequent treatment as a result of the free examination carries the appropriate charge.