NHS Dental Treatments: What Are You Entitled to?

NHS dental treatment is available to everyone in Scotland, providing subsidised care for essential, clinically required treatments. Fees are set by the Scottish Government and do not include certain treatments classed as “private”, which are considered non-essential or primarily cosmetic. Some patients are eligible for free NHS dental treatment; for example, anyone under 26 years of age pays no charge for NHS dental care.

It can be hard to navigate which dental treatments are available on the NHS and which aren’t, and who is and isn’t eligible, as there are a number of nuances. In response to hearing many questions on this matter from patients, we’ve drafted this handy blog to address frequently asked questions we hear at Clyde Munro.

Which dental procedures are included on the NHS?

The NHS offers clinically required treatments to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and is prevention-focused. The idea is to ensure small issues are caught early and rectified.

The dental procedures that are included on the NHS include:

• General check-ups
• Emergency appointments
• Fillings
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Bridges
• Root canal
• Orthodontics (criteria must be met)
• X-rays & tooth extractions

It is your dentist’s responsibility to make clear which treatments are being provided on the NHS and which can only be provided privately, as well as the costs associated.

As a rule of thumb, anything that is cosmetic or aesthetic when it comes to dental treatments will not be available on the NHS and will only be available privately. This may include procedures like tooth whitening, composite bonding, dental implants, orthodontics for over 18s and white fillings. There are exceptions where the NHS may provide these treatments if it is clinically necessary, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

How can I find an NHS dentist that offers covered treatments near me?

If you are located in Scotland, you can find an NHS dentist by entering your postcode into this website.

It’s important to note that not all dental practices will be taking on new NHS patients, so do check this from the outset, as you may only be able to register as a private patient, or you may be placed on an NHS waiting list.

You can find a list of Clyde Munro practices that are accepting NHS patients here.

Are orthodontic treatments like braces covered by the NHS?

Orthodontic treatments like braces can be available to NHS patients. In order to qualify, you must have passed an assessment which shows a clinical need for treatment, and you will typically be placed on a waiting list. This IOTN index (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) is a criterion determined by the Scottish Government.

All NHS orthodontic work for those over the age of 26 must be paid for privately, and there are various routes to consider, including Invisalign Clear Aligners, SureSmile Clear Aligners and fixed braces.

What are the eligibility criteria for NHS dental treatment coverage?

The eligibility criteria for NHS dental treatment in Scotland are as follows:

• Anyone under 26
• Women who are pregnant or who have given birth in the last 12 months
• Those with certificated exemption from patient charges because of low income or who are in receipt of certain benefits

The NHS in Scotland also runs a Low Income Scheme (LIS) where those who are not automatically entitled to free treatment, but who have difficulty in paying the costs associated with NHS dental work, can seek help from LIS towards some or all of the cost of NHS patient charges.

Where can I book an NHS dental appointment for covered services?

You must first register with a dental practice that is taking on NHS clients. Once you are a registered NHS dental patient, you will be able to book an appointment.

Does NHS dental care cover emergency tooth extractions?

Yes, NHS dental care covers emergency appointments, including X-rays and extractions and restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns and dentures.

What dental checkups & cleaning does the NHS provide?

The NHS provides dental checkups and advice that is necessary to maintain good oral health.

Dental checkups

During an NHS dental check-up, the dentist assesses your overall oral health, examines your teeth and gums, checks for signs of decay, gum disease or infections and may take X-rays if needed.

These routine examinations are designed to catch problems early and ensure that any issues are treated before they become more serious or costly.

Teeth cleaning

As part of ongoing preventative care, the NHS also provides advice on how to maintain healthy gums. While a basic scale and polish (now often referred to as PMPR – Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal) may be included as part of NHS treatment if the dentist feels it is clinically necessary. Where required, more thorough cleaning (such as periodontal treatment for gum disease) will be carried out and is covered as part of NHS treatment. The main focus of NHS care is on providing patients with advice and guidance to help them clean their teeth effectively at home.

The exact procedures depend on your oral health needs: some patients may only need routine polishing to remove plaque and tartar, while others may require deeper cleaning beneath the gumline to manage gum disease. If these procedures aren’t deemed clinically necessary, you will not be able to receive them on the NHS, but you could pay for them privately.

How to apply for NHS dental treatment exemptions or discounts?

As mentioned earlier, some groups are automatically entitled to free care.  Anyone under the age of 26, pregnant women and new mothers (up to 12 months after giving birth). People receiving certain income-related benefits can also access free NHS treatment by showing their most recent award notice at the dental practice.

NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)

For those who are on a low income, but don’t automatically qualify for free treatment, the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) offers a straightforward way to receive help.

This involves completing an HC1 form, which is available from dentists, GP practices, pharmacies and Citizens Advice, or can be downloaded online. After the form is assessed, you’ll receive either an HC2 certificate, which provides full help with dental costs, or an HC3 certificate, which gives partial help based on what you can afford.

These certificates are sent by post and can be shown to your dentist before treatment begins, so the appropriate charges are applied.

Age, pregnancy or benefits

If you receive free care due to your age, pregnancy status or benefits, you don’t need to complete an application: you simply need to bring the relevant proof to your dental appointment. Likewise, war pensioners can claim refunds on treatment related to their accepted disability.

It’s also worth noting that if you paid for treatment and later discovered you were entitled to help, you can usually claim a refund within three months.

Which NHS dental services are free for children & young people?

All NHS dental treatment is free for anyone under the age of 26. This means that everything from routine check-ups to more complex treatment is fully covered.

For babies and young children, NHS dental care begins before their first birthday through Scotland’s Childsmile programme. Under this initiative, children receive free dental check-ups, fluoride varnish applications and oral-health advice from the moment their teeth begin to appear. Childsmile also provides free toothbrushes and toothpaste to help families establish good habits early on.

As children grow, they remain entitled to free NHS dental examinations, X-rays, fillings, extractions, preventative treatments and orthodontic assessments. If orthodontic treatment such as braces are deemed clinically necessary, this is also provided free of charge on the NHS.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has helped to demystify some of the questions you may have had around which NHS dental treatments you’re entitled to.

It can be quite a tricky topic to navigate, so if you have any further questions, we recommend getting in touch. We’d be delighted to speak with you further about which dental procedures are available on the NHS and the additional treatments we offer at Clyde Munro.

You can find your local Clyde Munro practice on our website, where you can also book a face-to-face consultation.