Who is usually entitled to free treatment?
According to official NHS guidance, you may not have to pay if, at the time of treatment, you:
- are under 18, or are 18 and in full-time education
- are pregnant, or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- are getting certain benefits, such as Universal Credit (with conditions), Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- hold a valid HC2 certificate, or, in some cases, an HC3 certificate for help with part of the cost
- are a named patient on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate, where this still applies
This is a summary, not a complete legal list. Proof is usually required. See Help with dental costs on the NHS website, and who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment.
What if you already paid and think you should not have?
You may be able to claim a refund. The official route is described by the NHS Business Services Authority. Do not send sensitive documents to this site; we cannot process refunds.
Information only, not medical advice. If you are in pain or worried about a dental problem, contact a dentist, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. Dentist Atlas is independent and is not part of, or endorsed by, the NHS.