NHS Dental Care

What’s included under NHS dental care?

NHS dental care is free of charge for children under 18, and for those under 19 and in full-time education. Dental care is also free on the NHS if you qualify for it under the NHS exempt criteria; for example, pregnant women and new mums who have had a baby in the last 12 months qualify for free NHS dental care.

NHS dental care provides the treatment you need to help maintain your oral health. This includes keeping your teeth and gums healthy and free from pain.

Treatment is targeted at maintaining your oral health and could include:

• Dental examinations
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Root fillings
• Tooth extraction
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dentures

Other treatments such as orthodontic treatments  are available on the NHS too, but only if there is a proven medical need for them.

NHS orthodontics (teeth straightening) is most commonly offered to children under 18, who have qualified for the treatment according to a rating system called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

What’s not included under NHS dental care?

NHS dental services don’t typically include cosmetic treatments or advanced treatments. Your dentist will discuss your options with you and ensure that your expectations are met, which may include private treatment alternatives.