Last updated: January 2026. This guide covers all exemption categories for free NHS dental treatment in England, with current pricing valid until April 2026.
Many people in the UK can receive free NHS dental treatment - but knowing whether you qualify can be confusing. This comprehensive guide explains exactly who is entitled to free dental care, how to prove your eligibility, and what to do if you've been charged incorrectly.
Quick Eligibility Check
Before we dive into the details, here's a quick reference to see if you qualify for free NHS dental treatment:
| Eligible for Free Treatment | Not Automatically Eligible |
|---|---|
| Under 18 years old | Over 18 with no qualifying benefits |
| Under 19 in full-time education | Contribution-based JSA or ESA |
| Pregnant | Pension Credit Savings Credit only |
| Had baby in last 12 months | Universal Credit with earnings over threshold |
| Income Support recipient | Over 60 (no automatic exemption in England) |
| Income-based JSA recipient | |
| Income-related ESA recipient | |
| Pension Credit Guarantee Credit | |
| Universal Credit (with low earnings) | |
| Valid HC2 certificate holder |
"You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if, at the time you are accepted for your course of treatment, you meet one of the qualifying criteria." — NHS.uk
Current NHS Dental Charges (Valid Until April 2026)
If you don't qualify for free treatment, these are the current NHS dental charges in England (set in April 2025, expected to change in April 2026):
| Band | Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.40 | Examination, X-rays, advice, scale and polish if needed |
| Band 2 | £75.30 | Everything in Band 1, plus fillings, root canal, extractions |
| Band 3 | £326.70 | Everything in Bands 1 & 2, plus crowns, dentures, bridges |
| Urgent | £27.40 | Emergency care such as pain relief or temporary filling |
These charges were set on 1st April 2025. New charges are typically announced each April - check back for updates in April 2026.
"NHS dental charges increased from 1 April 2025." — NHSBSA
Important: If you need multiple treatments, you only pay for the highest band once. For example, if you need a filling (Band 2) and a crown (Band 3), you pay £326.70 total, not both.
Age-Based Exemptions
Under 18 Years Old
All children under 18 receive free NHS dental treatment automatically. No certificate or application is required - simply bring proof of age to your appointment.
Under 19 in Full-Time Education
If you're under 19 and enrolled in qualifying full-time education, you're entitled to free dental care. This includes:
- School students
- College students
- First-year university students who are still 18
"Patients will continue to be entitled to free NHS dental care if they are under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education." — NHSBSA
What to bring: Student ID card or college confirmation letter, plus proof of age.
Pregnancy and Maternity Exemption
Who Qualifies
You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you are:
- Pregnant (from the moment pregnancy is confirmed)
- Have had a baby in the last 12 months (including stillbirth after 24th week)
This covers all NHS dental treatment during pregnancy and for a full year after your baby is born.
How to Get a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx)
- Speak to your midwife, GP, or health visitor - they'll complete the application for you
- Receive your certificate:
- Digital certificate: Arrives by email immediately
- Postal certificate: Arrives within 10 working days
- Use your certificate at dental appointments and pharmacies
"Speak to your midwife, doctor or health visitor. They'll complete the application for you. They can do this as soon as they confirm that you're pregnant." — NHSBSA
Certificate validity: Your MatEx is valid for 12 months after your due date. If your baby is born late, contact NHSBSA with your birth certificate to extend it.
If you pay before receiving your certificate: Keep your receipts and claim a refund using form HC5(D) within 3 months.
Benefits-Based Exemptions
Qualifying Benefits for Automatic Free Treatment
If you receive any of these benefits, you automatically qualify for free NHS dental treatment:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - not contribution-based
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - not contribution-based
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit - includes those also receiving Savings Credit
"If you're getting one of these benefits, your partner and any dependent young people under 20 included in your award are also entitled to free treatment." — NHS.uk
Important distinction: Contribution-based JSA and ESA do not qualify for automatic free treatment. Only income-based/income-related versions do. If you're unsure which type you receive, check your benefit award letter.
Pension Credit Savings Credit Only
If you receive Pension Credit Savings Credit without Guarantee Credit, you don't automatically qualify for free dental treatment. However, you may be eligible through the NHS Low Income Scheme (see below).
Universal Credit - Not Everyone Qualifies
Having Universal Credit does not automatically entitle you to free NHS dental treatment. Your eligibility depends on your earnings.
Universal Credit Earnings Thresholds
You qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you receive Universal Credit AND:
| Situation | Maximum Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|
| All Universal Credit recipients | £435 or less |
| UC with child element OR limited capability for work | £935 or less |
"Your entitlement depends on your total take-home pay in the last assessment period." — NHSBSA
How to Check Your Earnings
- Log into your Universal Credit account
- Check your earnings in the last completed assessment period before your dental appointment
- Bring your UC award notice showing your earnings to your appointment
Combined earnings: If you have a partner, your earnings are added together.
NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 and HC3 Certificates)
If you don't qualify through benefits but have a low income, you may be eligible for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Who Can Apply
- People with low income who don't receive qualifying benefits
- Savings must be under £16,000 (£23,250 if in a care home)
- No need to be receiving any benefits to apply
"It is not necessary to be in receipt of any benefits in order to qualify." — NHSBSA
HC2 vs HC3 Certificates
| Certificate | What You Get |
|---|---|
| HC2 (Full Help) | Free NHS dental treatment, prescriptions, sight tests, travel costs |
| HC3 (Partial Help) | Reduced cost - certificate shows how much you pay toward treatment |
How to Apply for HC2/HC3
Step 1: Get the HC1 form
- Download from NHSBSA website
- Order online to be posted to you
- Pick up from Jobcentres, GP practices, pharmacies, or Citizens Advice
Step 2: Complete the form
- Provide accurate income, benefits, savings, and outgoings details
- Include 5 most recent payslips if employed
Step 3: Submit
- Online: If savings are under £6,000
- Post: NHS Low Income Scheme, NHS Business Services Authority, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6SN
Processing time: Up to 18 working days, certificate arrives within 4 weeks.
Validity: Certificates are valid for 6 months to 5 years depending on your circumstances.
War Pension and Armed Forces Exemption
If you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments, you may be entitled to help with dental costs for treatment related to your accepted disability.
"A War Pensioner who needs dental treatment because of the condition(s) they get a War Pension for may be reimbursed the full cost of NHS treatment costs." — Gov.uk
How it works: You typically pay for treatment first, then claim a refund using form HC5(D) from Veterans UK within 3 months.
Contact: Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, Norcross, Blackpool, FY5 3WP
How to Prove Your Exemption
From September 2021, dental practices must ask you to complete and sign a declaration form (FP17PR) before treatment begins.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
| Exemption Type | Proof Required |
|---|---|
| Age (under 18/19) | Passport, birth certificate, or driving licence; student ID if under 19 in education |
| Pregnancy/Maternity | Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx), MATB1, or baby's birth certificate |
| Benefits | Benefit award notice showing current entitlement |
| Universal Credit | UC award notice showing earnings in last assessment period |
| HC2/HC3 | Certificate with valid dates |
| War Pension | War Pension exemption certificate |
"You'll be asked to show written proof that you don't have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment." — NHSBSA
Check your eligibility online: Use the NHSBSA eligibility checker before your appointment.
What Happens If You're Charged Wrongly?
If you paid for treatment but were entitled to free care, you can claim a refund.
How to Claim a Refund
- Get form HC5(D) from NHSBSA website, Jobcentres, GP practices, or your dentist
- Gather your documents:
- Original NHS receipt (form FP64 or equivalent)
- Proof of exemption at time of treatment
- Complete and submit within 3 months of payment
- Wait for refund: Up to 8 weeks, paid by bank transfer
Where to send:
- Standard claims: NHS Business Services Authority, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 6SN
- Universal Credit/JSA/ESA/Income Support: Your local Jobcentre Plus
- War Pension: Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, Norcross, Blackpool, FY5 3WP
Penalty Charges for Wrong Claims
Claiming free treatment you're not entitled to can result in penalties - even if it's an honest mistake.
"If you claim free treatment that you're not entitled to, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100." — NHS.uk
Penalty Structure
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original NHS charge | £27.40 - £326.70 |
| Penalty charge | Up to £100 |
| Late payment (after 28 days) | Additional £50 |
| Maximum total | Up to £476.70 |
"If you claim an exemption you're not entitled to, even if it's by accident, you could face a penalty. You may also be prosecuted for an offence that can lead to a criminal record." — NHSBSA
Always check your eligibility using the NHSBSA online checker before claiming free treatment.
Regional Differences: Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
NHS dental charges and exemptions vary across the UK:
Wales
| Band | Cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| Band 1 | £20.00 |
| Band 2 | £60.00 |
| Band 3 | £260.00 |
Additional exemptions:
- Under 25: All treatment free
- Over 59: Free Band 1 examinations
Scotland
- All dental examinations are free for everyone
- Under 26: All NHS dental treatment is free
- Others pay 80% of treatment cost, capped at £384 per course
"Everyone in Scotland is entitled to free NHS dental examinations." — NHS Inform
Northern Ireland
- Patients pay 80% of treatment cost, capped at £384 per course
- Same benefit-based exemptions as England
Key Changes to Be Aware Of in 2026
Tax Credit Exemptions Have Ended
Since April 2025, tax credit exemption certificates no longer provide automatic free dental care. If you previously received tax credits, you should now be on Universal Credit and must meet the Universal Credit earnings thresholds to qualify for free dental treatment.
"From 05 April, tax credit payments from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have ended. People on tax credits should have transitioned to Universal Credit from 05 April and must meet new Universal Credit criteria to be exempt from NHS dental charges." — NHSBSA
April 2026 Price Changes
NHS dental charges are typically reviewed each April. We'll update this guide when new 2026/27 charges are announced. Sign up to our newsletter to be notified of any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get free dental treatment if I'm over 60?
No. Unlike prescriptions, there is no automatic age-based exemption for NHS dental treatment in England for people over 60. However, you may qualify through the NHS Low Income Scheme if your income is low enough.
Can I get free dental treatment if I'm pregnant?
Yes. All pregnant women receive free NHS dental treatment from the moment pregnancy is confirmed until 12 months after giving birth. Ask your midwife or GP to apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate.
Does Universal Credit mean free dental treatment?
Not automatically. You only qualify if your monthly earnings are £435 or less (or £935 if you have a child element or limited capability for work).
What if I can't afford dental treatment but don't qualify for exemptions?
Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme using form HC1. You may receive an HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate based on your income and circumstances.
How do I prove I'm entitled to free treatment?
Bring your exemption certificate or benefit award letter to your dental appointment. The practice will ask you to complete a declaration form before treatment.
What if I've been charged but I should have been exempt?
Claim a refund using form HC5(D) within 3 months of payment. Include your receipt and proof of exemption.
Ready to Find an NHS Dentist?
If you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment, the next step is finding a dentist who can provide it. Use our search to find NHS dentists near you who are accepting new patients.
Many dental practices across London and the UK offer NHS treatment - start your search today to book your appointment.
Share
Dentists Closeby Team
Editorial Team
The Dentists Closeby editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information about dental care in the UK. Our team includes dental professionals, health writers, and patient advocates.
