What treatment is available under the NHS?

All the treatment necessary to achieve and maintain good oral health is available on the NHS. This means that the NHS provides any treatment that you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. This could include the fitting of crowns, bridges and dentures. The dentist will give you a treatment plan after your check-up, which will show you what you need and the cost.

It does not include treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers or cosmetic fillings, which you might want to make your teeth more attractive but are not clinically necessary.

At Whitley Dental we have a contract to provide a limited amount of NHS treatment each year.

What is the cost?

NHS dental care is subsidised, but patients still pay towards their care.

Please note that with effect from 1 April 2017 the statutory NHS patient charges for dentistry are as follows:

• Band 1 course of treatment – £21.60
  This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant.
• Band 2 course of treatment – £59.10
  This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth.
• Band 3 course of treatment – £256.50
  This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.
• Urgent – £21.60

You can get free NHS dental treatment if, when your treatment starts, you are:

• Under 18
• 18 and in full-time education
• Pregnant or you’ve had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts
• An NHS inpatient and the hospital dentist carries out the treatment
• An NHS Hospital Dental Service out-patient (although there may be a charge for dentures and dental bridges)

You can also get free NHS dental treatment if, when the treatment starts or the charge is made:

• You or your partner (including civil partners) get Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• You are named on, or entitled to, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• You are named on a valid HC2 certificate

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate, you may get some help towards the cost of your NHS dental treatment. See below for more information about HC2 and HC3 certificates issued under the NHS Low Income Scheme.

For further details on the treatment available under the NHS, and making choices about your care, please go to: http://www.nhs.uk/